- Design
- Systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis of incidence
- Population
- 1,538 patients in 16 studies of chronic pain after thyroidectomy
- Primary outcome
- Pooled incidence of chronic postsurgical pain and neuropathic pain
- Effect
- 18.4% chronic pain at 3 months; neuropathic pain 40.9% at 3 months and 9.5% at 6 months
A meta-analysis of 16 studies, with 1,538 patients and all at low risk of bias, estimated the incidence of chronic postsurgical pain after thyroidectomy at 18.4% at three months. Among those with pain, neuropathic features were reported in 40.9% at three months and 9.5% at six months.
The authors note substantial heterogeneity, particularly in the three-month neuropathic estimate, and call the problem clinically relevant but underrecognised. The pooled figures are a range of what to expect, not a prediction for an individual.
Thyroidectomy consent usually focuses on voice and calcium. A line about persistent neck pain, and asking about it at follow-up, costs little.
- Pooled incidence of chronic pain at three months was 18.4%.
- Neuropathic pain was reported in 40.9% at three months and 9.5% at six months.
- Heterogeneity was substantial, especially for the three-month neuropathic estimate.
- Mention persistent neck pain when consenting for thyroidectomy.
- Ask about pain at three-month follow-up, not only voice and calcium.
Why it matters
A common complication is missing from the usual thyroidectomy conversation.
Don't overread it
Definitions of chronic pain and follow-up timing varied, so the pooled rates are approximate.
The statistics, in plain English
A pooled incidence is an average across studies that defined and measured pain differently. Substantial heterogeneity means the true rate in your practice could be well above or below 18%.
Read the rest in the app
You have read your two free briefings this month. The app carries all 27 specialties, every morning, free — and this finding is waiting in it.
Scan to keep reading on your phone. No account needed to start.
Tomorrow morning, before your first patient
One edition a day for general surgery, written by the desk, every claim tied to its paper. Six minutes.
Get the app — free