Endocrine Surgery: Management of Postoperative Complications Following Endocrine Surgery of the Neck.

Cervical endocrine operations include parathyroidectomy, thyroid lobectomy, thyroidectomy, central neck dissection, and lateral neck dissection. The vital structures at risk include the recurrent laryngeal nerves to the intrinsic muscles of the larynx, additional cranial nerves, parathyroid glands essential for calcium homeostasis, aerodigestive structures, and great vessels. Here, the authors discuss complications of endocrine neck surgery, including cervical hematoma and other fluid collections, hypocalcemia from hypoparathyroidism, and nerve injuries, along with their prevention, mitigation, and management. Significant and permanent morbidity can result, but fortunately the overall rate of complications remains low, especially when surgery is performed by high-volume surgeons.