Abstract
Hung JA, Rajeev P. Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome following total thyroidectomy. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2013; 95: 457–460 doi 10.1308/003588413X13629960048118
We were interested to read this review. In fact, we described this rare but potentially fatal complication following a thyroidectomy some years ago.1 We had experienced a severe and fatal case, and when we heard of a similar patient in a neighbouring unit, we were prompted to undertake an investigation including many of the UK endocrine surgeons.
It became clear that a rapid development of septic shock following proven or putative streptococcal infection was a very rare but real complication after thyroidectomy. Since some patients had been operated on for benign thyroid conditions, the rapid deterioration of the individual patient was described as very frightening, even with appropriate escalation of care. One surgeon described how it almost put him off further operating as his young patient succumbed to infection.
Our paper also discussed the possible source of sepsis, whether it was environmental or from the patient involved.
We would be grateful if this paper, published in 2007, could be noted as a contradiction to the first line of your review article.
Reference
- 1.Hardy RG, Forsythe JL. Uncovering a rare but critical complication following thyroid surgery: an audit across the UK and Ireland. Thyroid 2007; 17: 63–65. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]