One-stop thyroid nodule clinic with same-day fine-needle aspiration cytology improves efficiency of care

Abstract

Background: Thyroid nodules are a common presenting complaint for endocrine surgeons; many require ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (US-FNAC). In an attempt to streamline our service, we introduced same-day surgeon-performed US-FNAC in 2014. Methods: Three groups were defined: (A) retrospective group with FNAC performed in radiology prior to August 2014; (B) prospective radiology FNAC group; and (C) prospective surgeon-performed group. Demographics, nodule characteristics, pathology and management plans were recorded. The number and dates of hospital attendances were extracted from the patient information system. Results: Over 4 years, 635 patients underwent 757 FNACs. There..