Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in thyroid surgery: Clinical pathways and resources consumption.

BACKGROUND The impact of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury management in thyroid surgery seems to be relevant to patients, National Healthcare System (NHS), and society. METHODS We studied resource consumption in the management of patients with RLN injury versus noninjured patients investigating 3 perspectives (patients, NHS, and society) in 5 clinical pathways. RESULTS Direct medical costs supported by the NHS range from a minimum of euro (€) 79.46 to a maximum of € 3261.95. From the patient's perspective, the direct medical costs supported by the patient increased from a minimum of € 3.60 to a maximum of € 499.45. Productivity losses were accounted in € 156 per day per patient. From the NHS perspective, the percentage increase ranged from 43.25% to 98.14%. From the patient's perspective, it ranged from 51.52% to 80.60%. CONCLUSION The analysis shows a significant economic impact of RLN injury management, which varies depending on the damage, duration, and severity. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 1708-1716, 2016.