Total Thyroidectomy in Multinodular Goiter: An African Experience

Abstract

Introduction: Total thyroidectomy is an operation that involves the surgical removal of the whole thyroid gland, with the preservation of the parathyroid glands. The aim of the present study was to assess the complication rates of total thyroidectomy on benign indication and first-time thyroid surgery and investigate the early outcome after opotherapy. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for benign multinodular goiter in the department of thoracic surgery in our Hospital from January 2012 to December 2014 were included. In postoperative time, we evaluated surgical complication, histopathological examination and opotherapy. Results: A total 53 patients underwent total thyroidectomy for multmodular goiter; they were 49 (92.45%) bilateral and 4 (7.55%) unilateral (recurrence). The mean age was 47 years and mean diameter of goiter was 10.75 cm. Among the patients 88.68% were females and 11.32% were male. Preoperative hormonal statuses were (70%) in euthyroid and (30%) hyperthyroid following surgery complications like transient laryngeal nerve palsy (3.77%), transient hypocalcemia (7.55%), hematoma (1.9%) and wound infection (1.9%). On histopathological examination of the surgical specimen, 5.7% were reported to be malignant. Six month following surgery 92.45% of patients was a good hormonal balance. Conclusion: Total thyroidectomy for multinodular goiter has a low morbidity and mortality; this procedure olves both the problem of recurrence of disease and reintervention. The opotherapy is doable with a good hormonal balance.