Longitudinal Changes in Quality of Life Before and After Thyroidectomy in Patients With Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors' conclusion
For DTC patients, HR-QOL experienced a significant drop 3 months postsurgery, subsequently showing gradual improvement, surpassing preoperative QOL by 5 years. Factors contributing to improved physical QOL included the utilization of remote-access thyroidectomy, less extensive thyroidectomy, and the absence of RAI ablation and hypoparathyroidism.
Study context
- Population
- DTC patients who underwent thyroidectomy (Jan 2013–Dec 2017) and completed all questionnaires; 81.1% female, mean age 48.7 ± 12.9 years
- Participants
- 185 patients
- Outcome
- Longitudinal variation in Health-related Quality of Life (HR-QOL) (UW-QOL and City of Hope QOL-TV)
- Follow-up
- Preoperatively and at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years and 5 years postoperatively
Methodological detailslongitudinal
- Longitudinal
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Total composite QOL scores (UW-QOL and QOL-TV) · preoperative to 5 years
- Total composite QOL scores declined notably from preoperative levels to 3 months postoperatively, then gradually improved over 5 years, ultimately exceeding preoperative scores
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Factors associated with physical composite QOL
- Total thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation and postoperative hypoparathyroidism associated with lower physical composite QOL scores
Satisfaction with appearance
- Significantly higher satisfaction with appearance after remote-access vs conventional thyroidectomy
Mood and anxiety
- Mood and anxiety were major concerns before and after surgery, with considerable improvement postoperatively
Original publication
Longitudinal Changes in Quality of Life Before and After Thyroidectomy in Patients With Differentiated Thyroid Cancer. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Published 23 December 2023. doi:10.
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