Does Thyroidectomy Impact Quality of Life: Retrospective Case-Control Study of Post-Thyroidectomy Patients and Matched Individuals from the General Population

Abstract

Background and objectives: The study assesses quality of life (QoL) in patients who underwent thyroidectomy compared to the general population. Materials and Methods: QoL data from post-thyroidectomy patients and individuals with no subjective health concerns, who had attended a routine health screening visit, were evaluated. QoL was assessed using the modified version of Korean Short Form 12 questionnaire (SF-12). Patients and controls were matched using the propensity score approach and a ratio of 1:4. Results: Data from a total of 105 patients and 420 controls were analyzed. For five SF-12 items, lower QoL was found in patients (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that a follow-up duration of <1-year, female sex, and an age of >50 years were independent risk factors. No significant difference was found between controls and patients who were >1-year post-surgery. Conclusions: For specific SF-12 items, QoL was lower in post-thyroidectomy patients than in controls. No intergroup difference in QoL was found >1-year post-surgery.

Keywords: QoL; SF-12; Short Form 12 questionnaire; quality of life; thyroidectomy.

Figure 1

Study design with patients and controls. SF: Short Form; N: number.

Figure 2

Physical and mental aspects of the modified Korean Short Form 12 questionnaire (A) Physical aspects (B) Mental aspects. GH: general health; PF: physical functioning; BP: bodily pain; RP: role physical; MH: mental health; VT: vitality; SF: social functioning; RE: role emotional.