The Effect of Thyroid Surgery on the Accuracy of Palpation-Based Cricothyroid Membrane Identification in Female Patients: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study

초록

Introduction: This study examined how a history of thyroid surgery impacts the precision of cricothyroid membrane (CTM) identification through palpation (validated by ultrasound) in female patients visiting the operating room for surgeries unrelated to neck procedures. Methods: This prospective observational cohort study enrolled adult female patients undergoing elective non-neck surgery, dividing them into control (no thyroid surgery history; n=40) and experimental (with thyroid surgery history; n=40) groups. CTM identification was performed by palpation and confirmed via ultrasound. Results: This prospective observational cohort study enrolled adult female patients undergoing elective non-neck surgery, dividing them into control (no thyroid surgery history; n=40) and experimental (with thyroid surgery history; n=40) groups. CTM identification was performed by palpation and confirmed via ultrasound. Conclusions: Thyroid surgery history in female patients may hinder the accurate palpation-based identification of the CTM, suggesting a need for enhanced clinical practices and considerations during airway management training.