Total thyroidectomy: the treatment of choice in differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Clinically detectable thyroid carcinoma constitutes less than 1% of human cancers. Ninety percent of all thyroid malignancies are differentiated papillary and follicular carcinoma. Surgery plays a key role in differentiated thyroid carcinoma as it carries excellent prognosis, lower recurrence rate and low mortality rate but controversy persists for extent of surgery and optimal surgical management of lymph node metastasis. PATIENT AND METHOD: A retrospective analysis was done for the cases that underwent total thyroidectomy with lymph node dissection for differentiated carcinoma of thyroid in Kathmandu Medical College during two year periods (Oct 2001 to Oct 2003). RESULT: In our experience with 18 cases of Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma (DTC) treated with total thyroidectomies and lymph node dissection, papillary carcinoma was predominant with 83% incidence. Disease was prevalent in 50 to 60 year age group. Except two cases of transient hypocalcaemia and few wound related complications, there have been no other complications. CONCLUSION: Total thyroidectomy with lymph node dissection is safe and effective, so, the treatment of choice in cases of differentiated thyroid carcinoma.