Surgical management of nodular goitre: a review of 210 cases

ABSTRACT

In a 2 1/2 years period, we operated upon 210 patients referred to us with nodular goiter. Among them, 160 patients [76%] were women. 120 [57 percent] had multinodular goiter and 90 patients [43 percent] had a solitary nodule. The preoperative examination proceure is discussed. Radionucleide thyroid scan was performed in all cases. 120 patients [57%] had multiple cold and functioning nodules, 79 patients [37%] had cold and 11 [5%] had a warm nodule. The accuracy of fine needle aspiration biopsy and cytology [FNABC] performed in 79 patient with a cold nodule is assessed. 24 patients [11.4%] had a malignant tumour. The histologic features of the benign and malignant tumours are described. The operative procedures in benign goiter consisted of subtotal or total lobectomy and subtotal thyroidectomy. In the patients with malignant tumours, a more radical operation was performed consisting of near total or total thyroidectomy. Radical neck dissection was done when it was indicated. The operative complications are discussed