Comparison of recurrence rate and post-operative complications of total and subtotal thyroidectomy in surgical treatment of multi nodular goiter

Surgery is an option for multinodular goiter (MNG), but extension of surgery is controversial due to risk of recurrence and post operative complications. So, we decided to compare these problems between subtotal (ST) and total (TT) thyroidectomy as surgical treatment of MNG.

This cross-sectional retrospective study was done between 2011-2012. 104 patients with benign MNG (52 in TT and 52 in ST groups) that operated before year 2006 in Imam Reza Educational Hospital, were enrolled. Rate of recurrence and surgical complications compared between two groups. P < 0.05 considered significant.

Mean age of patients was 45.3 years. Mean duration of Follow up was 74 months. 8 patients in ST group(15.4 %) and no patient in TT group had recurrence of goiter. (p< 0.05). There was no significant differences in transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism, transient and permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, mortality, hematoma,wound infection and hospital stay duration between two groups. Conclution: Total thyroidectomy as procedure of choice for multinodular goiter is recommended in Educational Hospitals with experienced surgens.