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ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of high-concentration oxygen on the improvement of throat symptoms and voice changes after thyroid surgery and its protection of the parathyroid function.MethodsA total of 600 patients undergoing thyroid surgery who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into the experimental group (n = 300) and the control group (n = 300) by using a random number generator. The patients in the experimental group underwent high-oxygen treatment [FiO280 (8 L/min)] for 6 continuous hours after returning to the ward after surgery. The patients in the control group underwent low-oxygen treatment [FiO230 (2 L/min)] for 6 continuous hours after returning to the ward after surgery.ResultsThe postoperative incision pain score of patients in the experimental group was significantly better than that in the control group at 6 h (1.07 ± 0.80 VS 1.23 ± 0.95, P=0.031) and 12 h (1.08 ± 0.64 VS 1.20 ± 0.73, P=0.041). The postoperative throat pain score of the patients in the experimental group was significantly better than that of the control group at 6 h (1.40 ± 0.85 VS 1.59 ± 0.97, P=0.011) and 12 h (1.40 ± 0.85 VS 1.59 ± 0.97, P=0.019). The PONV score of the patients in the experimental group was significantly better than that of the control group at 12 h (0.09 ± 0.19 VS 0.14 ± 0.37, P=0.024). The Voice Handicap Index score of the patients in the experimental group was significantly better than that of the control group at 24 h (2.89 ± 5.92 VS 4.10 ± 6.31, P=0.017), 36 h (2.46 ± 5.06 VS 3.43 ± 5.97, P=0.035), and 48 h (2.46 ± 5.06 VS 3.43 ± 5.97, P=0.032).ConclusionHigh-concentration oxygen can alleviate PONV and pain after thyroid surgery, with less severe voice changes potentially. However, its effects on swallowing function, and parathyroid function need to be further verified.Clinical Trial Registration NumberChiCTR-IOR-17012765 (China Clinical Trial Registry clinical trial registration center [http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx)

Background Voice disorders are frequent after thyroidectomy. We report the long-term voice quality outcomes after thyroidectomy using the voice handicap index self-questionnaire. Methods Eight hundred patients who underwent total thyroidectomy between 2014 and 2017 in 7 French hospitals were prospectively included. All patients filled in voice handicap index questionnaires, preoperatively and 2 and 6 months after surgery. Results Median (range) voice handicap index scores were significantly increased at month 2 (4 [0; 108]) compared to preoperative values (2 [0; 76]) and were unchanged at month 6 (2 [2; 92]). Clinically significant voice impairment (voice handicap index score difference ≥18 points) was reported in 19.7% at month 2 and 13% at month 6. Thirty-seven (4.6%) had postoperative vocal cord palsy. In patients with vocal cord palsy compared to those without, median voice handicap index scores were increased at month 2 (14 [0; 107] vs 4 [0; 108]; P = .0039), but not at month 6 (5 [0; 92] vs 2 [0; 87]; P = .0702). Clinically significant impairment was reported in 38% vs 19% at month 2 (P = .010), and in 19% vs 13% at month 6 (P = .310). Thyroid weight, postoperative hypocalcemia, vocal cord palsy, and absence of intraoperative neuromonitoring utilization were associated with an increased risk of clinically significant self-perceived voice impairment at month 2. Conclusion Thyroidectomy impairs patients’ voice quality perception in patients with and without vocal cord palsy.