3D Conformation of Injected Bolus in Vocal Fold Injections

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: 1) Better appreciate the perioperative concerns affecting patients considering thyroidectomy. 2) Understand that concerns may vary depending on the population, and age.3) Ensure that perioperative counseling is directed towards the areas of greatest concerns experienced by patients considering thyroidectomy. METHOD: Patients scheduled for thyroid surgery at the McGill University Thyroid Cancer Center in Montreal, Canada were recruited. To date, 30 individuals completed the 18-item questionnaire adapted from the Western Surgical Concern Inventory (WSCI). The WSCI is used to elucidate the different perioperative areas of concern of these individuals. Outcomes included descriptive statistics as well as sub-analyses pertaining to age and the type of surgery (total vs. hemi-thyroidectomy). RESULTS: Top areas of concern included: the nodule being cancerous (highest), needing a second operation (2nd highest), and having a change in voice (3rd highest). Areas of minor concern included: being judged, embarrassed, and not being able to participate in social activities post-operatively. The younger the patients, the more concerned they were about: resuming work following surgery(rϭ-0.54, p Ͻ 0.01); being judged (rϭ-0.48, p Ͻ 0.01); and participating in social activities post-surgery (rϭ-0.48, p Ͻ 0.01). There were no significant differences or trends in the overall level of pre-surgical concerns between total and hemi-thyroidectomy patients (t(28)ϭ0.21, pϭ0.83), except for a higher degree of concern for pain in total thyroidectomy patients compared to hemithyroidectomy patients (t(28)ϭ1.72, pϭ0.097). CONCLUSION: This study establishes a mean which will permit adequate physician counseling and a better management of patients' perioperative worries.