Ethnic disparities in thyroid surgery outcomes in New Zealand.

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]