The Shift in Geriatric Endocrine Surgery
As the global population ages, the prevalence of thyroid pathology—ranging from multinodular goiter to thyroid malignancies—is rising among older adults. Historically, clinicians have often approached thyroidectomy in patients aged 65 and older with a degree of caution, fueled by concerns regarding physiological reserve, multimorbidity, and an perceived increased risk of postoperative complications. However, as surgical techniques such as intraoperative nerve monitoring and minimally invasive approaches have matured, the paradigm for geriatric surgery has shifted. The central question remains: does advanced age independently dictate a poorer safety profile for thyroidectomy, or are the risks manageable within the context of modern perioperative care?
