A retrospective study of complications of total thyroidectomy; is it a safe approach for benign thyroid conditions.

OBJECTIVE

To assess frequency of complications of total thyroidectomy for benign thyroid diseases.

METHODS

The retrospective descriptive study was conducted at Shifa College of Medicine, Islamabad, Pakistan, and comprised patient data from March 2016 to March 2018 of all patients who had undergone total thyroidectomy at the centre. Operative findings and post-op complications were documented in a self-generated proforma. Followup visits documented in the charts were also reviewed. Patients who did not keep the follow-up appointment were interviewed over the phone. Data was analysed using SPSS 20.

RESULTS

Of the 96 patients, 78(81.2%) were female and 18(18.7%) were male. The overall mean age was 32.9 } 9.84 years. Hypocalcaemia was the most common complication in 4(4.1%) cases, transient in 3(3.1%) and permanent in only 1(1.04%) case. Haemorrhage occurred in 1(1.04) patient, and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in 2(2.08%). .

CONCLUSIONS

Simple multi-nodular goitre was effectively treated with total thyroidectomy with minor complications.