Impact of BMI on Complications and Satisfaction in Patients With Papillary Thyroid Cancer and Lateral Neck Metastasis

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the effect of body mass index (BMI) on complications and satisfaction in patients who underwent thyroidectomy and lateral neck dissection. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 386 patients with papillary thyroid cancer who underwent total thyroidectomy and lateral neck dissection between January 2013 and December 2016. We compared variables including population characteristics, subjective satisfaction, and complications in nonobese (BMI < 28.0 kg/m(2)) and obese (BMI ≥ 28.0 kg/m(2)) patients. RESULTS: Obesity was associated with an increased risk of postoperative hemorrhage (POH) (P = .014), accessory nerve injury (P < .001), operative time (P < .001) and infection (P = .013). However, obese patients had higher subjective satisfaction and Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) scores (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Obesity was associated with increased risk of POH, injury of the SAN, and infection. Interestingly, we found that obese patients had higher subjective satisfaction and VSS scores.