Clinical study of multi nodular goitre in a rural hospital

Abstract

Background: Worldwide, nodular goitre remains a problem of enormous magnitude affecting no less than 5% of the population. Neither a well formulated nor a simple procedure is available for the management of MNG. Hence the need for the present study. The aim was to study the various modes of presentation, the distribution with respect to age and sex, the usefulness of FNAC, and the complications of surgery. Methods: This was a prospective study of 50 cases of MNG during the period between April 2012 and March 2014, in Chennai medical college hospital with an adequate follow up to look for post op complications. Results: Majority of the patients were females with an M:F ratio of 15:1,with the commonest age group being 31-40 years. All patients presented with swelling in front of the neck, with other complaints being that of pain, discomfort, and features of hyperthyroidism in 6 patients. FNAC was done in all patients and was found to be 100% accurate. Majority of the patients were treated with total thyroidectomy followed by subtotal thyroidectomy. Complications included wound infection, post op bleeding and RLN palsy. Conclusion: FNAC is an invaluable and highly accurate tool in the diagnosis of MNG. Surgery -Total thyroidectomy was found to be an adequate and safe treatment for non-toxic MNG with minimal complications.