Complications of Thyroid Surgery: Our Experience

ABSTRACT

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the complications of thyroid surgery and their management. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 50 patients at Teerthankar Mahaveer Medical College and ResearchCentre Teerthankar Mahaveer University, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh over a period of 12 months. Patients undergoing thyroid surgery in our department were included in this study after taking proper written informed consent. Complete history was taken and thorough ENT examination was performed. Clinical and laboratory data from the study was recorded as per the pro forma. Results: Among the patients undergoing surgery, Isthmusectomy was performed in 3 (6.0%) patients, Left hemithyroidectomy in 5 (10.0%) patients, Right hemithyroidectomy in 28 (56.0%), Subtotal thyroidectomy in 6 (12.0%) patients, Near total thyroidectomy in 3 (6.0%) patients and Total thyroidectomy in 5 (10.0%) patients. The most common complication that occurred was hypocalcemia(16%). Other complications observed were permanent hypoparathyroidism (6%), permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (4%), superior laryngeal nerve palsy (2%), post-operative haemorrhage (2%), seroma (8%), hypertrophic scar (8%), keloid (2%), wound infection (6%). Conclusion: The most common complications generally observed are hypoparathyroidism and recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries.