Ethnic disparities in thyroid surgery outcomes in New Zealand. Issue 7 (12th May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kwon, Hyok Jun; Morton, Randall P.
• Is Part Of: ANZ journal of surgery. Volume 87:Issue 7/8(2017)
• Page Start: 610
• Page End: 614
• Publication Date: 2015-05-12
• Subjects: ethnicity -- length of stay -- outcome assessment (health care) -- thyroid disease -- thyroidectomy; Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1111/ans.13142
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1445-1433

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Although thyroid disease is known to have significant ethnic variability, ethnic disparities in outcomes of thyroid surgery have been poorly studied. Method: Retrospective review of 716 consecutive thyroid operations at Counties Manukau Health, a public health provider in New Zealand, from January 2002 to August 2013. Results: Compared with Europeans, Māori and Pacific Islanders have longer operation times ( P < 0.001) and heavier thyroid glands ( P < 0.001). Polynesians also had higher risk of post‐operative haemorrhage compared with non‐Polynesians ( P = 0.016). They also have higher body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists scores and rates of smoking. There were no differences in length of inpatient stay and readmission rates. Conclusions: There are significant ethnic differences in certain outcomes of thyroid surgery. Part of this may be explained by higher co‐morbid characteristics.