Giant multinodular goitres: surgical experiences in northren Pakistan

The treatment of 40 cases with giant multinodular goitres is reported. This study was conducted over a 4 year period at DHQ Hospital Rawalpindi in Northern, Pakistan. This is a high incidence region. Thyroidectomies for giant goitres are associated with a high incidence of post operative asphyxia. Prophylactic tracheostomy was performed in eight cases who were more likely to be asphyxiated. Bigger and nodular goitres are also associated with greater structural distortion. The surgical technique and results are discussed