RESUMO
Objective: to assess the presentation, management and outcome of surgery of thyroid swellings
Design: retrospective study
Place and duration of study: department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dow Medical College and Civil Hospital Karachi [CHK], from Jan 2004 to June 2010
Patients and methods: retrospective review of 184 consecutive cases of thyroid swellings admitted and operated, irrespective of age, sex and socioeconomic status. Physiological goiter and previously operated thyroid swellings were excluded from the study. Demographic data, clinical features, investigations, surgical management details and complications were assessed
Result: among 184 cases of thyroid swellings 62.5% were between 21 to 40 years of age, with female preponderance [79.9%]. Majority [71.7%] cases belonged to lower socioeconomic status. Right lobe was involved in 32.60%, left in 15.7% while both lobes were involved in 51.5% cases. Multinodular goiter was seen in 54.8% cases while 39.1% cases had solitary nodule. Total thyroidectomy was performed in 23.3% cases, near total thyroidectomy in 9.8%, subtotal thyroidectomy in 31% and lobectomy [with isthemectomy] in 35.9% cases. In postoperative period, hoarseness was seen in 0.5% cases; while other complications like bleeding due to slipping of ligature, wound infection and hypoparathyroidism was seen in 1.6%, 2.2% and 2.2% cases respectively
Conclusion: with female preponderance and low socioeconomic status, thyroid swellings are mostly seen between the ages of 21 to 40 years. Solitary nodule and multinodular goiter are common findings. Surgical management performed by ENT - Head and Neck surgeon's ranges from total thyroidectomy to lobectomy, gives good results and few complications