Ear, nose, & throat journal
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It is widely accepted that thyroid surgery is not without morbidity. One well-known postoperative complication is respiratory distress. The aim of this prospective observational study was to determine the incidence of post-thyroidectomy respiratory complications and to identify possible predictive factors. ⋯ No deaths occurred. While the findings of this observational study can only suggest the possibility of causation, preoperative factors such as long-standing goiter and giant goiter should be taken into consideration in postoperative management and the prevention of respiratory complications. In addition, the presence of at least 4 of the 8 factors studied should likewise alert the management team.