Frequency of post-operative complications of thyroidectomy.

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the frequency of post-operative complications of thyroidectomy. Study Design: Observational study. Setting: LUMHS Jamshoro at the Surgery Department. Period: January 2016 to December 2017. Material and Method: During these two years all the patients visiting surgery department with thyroid swelling were assessed. Assessment of thyroid swelling was done by detailed history and clinical examination. For further assessment of the swelling thyroid function tests (serum T3, T4, TSH level), ultrasound, isotope scanning and FNAC was performed.  Assessed post-operative complications of thyroidectomy. Results: After assessment thyroidectomy was performed in 143 patients. Among them there were 37 males and 106 females. The ages of patients were in the range of 15-55 years and mean age was found to be 38 years. All of these patients have visited us due to complain of thyroid swelling. After complete assessment it was found that most commonly diagnosed thyroid swelling was multinodular goitre (51.04%). On ultrasound findings 60% of patients showed solid consistency whereas cystic and mixed were found in less patients. Post-operative complications were found in 61 patients (42.6%). Hypocalcaemia was the most frequent complication found in 14.68% of patients. Conclusion: Thyroidectomy is a commonly performed procedure in endocrine surgery with low morbidity and mortality. Despite improvements in surgical techniques and anaesthetic equipment, the rate of complications in thyroidectomy is constant. Post-operative measurement of calcium levels in susceptible patients can prevent tetany and emergency room admissions.