Total thyroidectomy in treatment of non-malignant goiter: is it worthwhile?

ABSTRACT

Total thyroidectomy is increasingly being accepted as a treatment of choice for differentiated thyroid cancer. However, because of presumed increased morbidity associated with this procedure, it is still not considered a viable option for management of benign thyroid disorders. To assess the safety and efficacy of total thyroidectomy for management of benign thyroid disorders, we analyzed our data from 100 total thyroidectomies performed for benign thyroid disorders. Demographic details, biochemical findings, indications for operation, specimen weight, and complications were noted. Among these patients, 35 had a toxic goiter and 65 had a non toxic goiter. The mean duration of goiters was 3.8 +/- 3.06 years [3 - 8 years], and the mean weight of the specimens was 85 gm +/- 180 gm. The incidence of permanent hypothyroidism and permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve plasy were 1% in both. According to this study, we can conclude that total thyroidectomy should be considered as the treatment of choice for multinodular goiter and Graves' disease in a setting of palpable nodule[s] or ophthalmopathy [or both] because reoperation for recurrent goiter in such a setting would be hazardous with distressing complications