SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF MULTINODULAR GOITRE;

TOTAL THYROIDECTOMY IS BETTER PROCEDURE THAN SUBTOTAL THYROIDECTOMY FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF MULTINODULAR GOITRE

Abstract

Background: A prospective, analytical study conducted to compare the results of
total thyroidectomy with subtotal thyroidectomy in the management of multinodular goitre.
Objective: comparison of total thyroidectomy and subtotal thyroidectomy for the management
of multinodular goitre in terms of postoperative complications. Patients and Methods: A
prospective review of 120 patients with benign multinodular goitre (bilateral) undergoing total
thyroidecotmy (Group A=60) and subtotal thyroidecotmy (Group B=60) during 2 years period
(2011-12) was undertaken. Evaluation of results was done by analyzing the data in SPSS version
17. Results: In group A, total thyoidectomy was done, the postoperative complications were
lesser (13.33%) than group B in whom subtotal thyroidectomy was done (16.67%). The
complications seen in group A were seroma formation 1(1.67%), external laryngeal nerve (ELN)
palsy 2 (3.34%), recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy (temporary) 2 (3.34%) and
hypoparathyroidism 3 (5.00%). The complications seen in group B were tension haematoma 01
(1.67%), seroma formation 2 (3.34%), ELN palsy 2 (3.34%), RLN palsy (temporary) 3 (5.00%) and
hypoparathyroidism 2 (3.34%). No mortality was seen in both groups. Conclusions: Total
thyroidectomy is better procedure than subtotal thyroidectomy for the treatment of benign
mulitnodular goitre. This procedure also prevents future need of surgery for recurrence and
incidental thyroid cancer.