ORIGINAL: Total Thyroidectomy versus Subtotal Thyroidectomy as a Suitable Surgery for Benign Thyroid Disorders

West Afr J Med. 2024 June; 41(6): 708–713 PMID: 39340827

Abstract

Background: Surgical treatment of benign thyroid disease varies from lobectomy, subtotal thyroidectomy, and total thyroidectomy (TT).

Objective: The current study aimed to compare complications of both total and subtotal thyroidectomy (STT) for patients with bilateral benign thyroid disorders.

Methods: Sixty patients with benign goiter, 32 for TT and 28 for STT, where indications for surgery, operating time, hospital stay, and complications were studied.

Results: The incidence of transient recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy was (6.25%) for TT vs (3.57%) for STT, and temporary hypoparathyroidism was (9.38%) in TT patients compared to (7.14%) in STT patients. Permanent RLN palsy and hypoparathyroidism occurred only in one case (3.12%) from the TT group. No permanent complications occurred in STT patients. Recurrence of goiter occurred in two patients (7.14%) undergoing STT. Incidental papillary carcinoma was (7.14%) in STT patients and (3.13%) for follicular carcinoma in TT patients. There was no postoperative mortality.

Conclusion: TT is a suitable surgical procedure in patients with bilateral benign thyroid disease as complication rate, operative time, and hospital stay are less comparable to STT. It will give a permanent cure without recurrences, and incidental thyroid malignancies can be avoided.