Total Thyroidectomy for Nodular, Benign Thyroid Diseases in Terms of Larynx Function Examinations - Is it a New Treatment Standard?

Abstract

Aim of the study was the assessment of total thyroidectomy (TT) value as a treatment method of goiter with particular emphasis on the results of laryngological examination. material and methods. From 15 th April 2008 to 1 st July 2009 there were 125 (72.7%) TTs, 12 (7%) TTs and appropriate lymphadenectomies, 9 (5.2%) near TTs, 14 (8.1%) lobectomies, 5 (2.9%) completion thyroidectomies and 6 (3.4%) other operations. Vocal cords function was assessed routinely one day before, two days after operation by an otolaryngologist. Voice quality was assessed by patients in VHI questionnaire theirselves. Results. Five patients had one-sided vocal cord paralysis before the operation. The one-sided transient recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries was observed in 16 other patients (9.3% among patients and 4.6% among nerves at risk)in the second day after the operation. There was no bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. From three to six months after the operation, 21 (among 23) patients with vocal cord movement disability were examined once again by the same otolaryngologist. The same vocal cord paralysis was observed in 4 sicks (one person died), which was found preoperatively. Seven (4%) other patients had permanent one vocal cord paresis. This represents 2% the nerves at risk. Three of them were recognized benign lesions and four thyroid cancer. Our percentage of early, postoperative hypoparathyroidism was 6.4% and persistent was 1.7%. VHI score in the group with paresis or paralysis of vocal cord gave the score of 4 to 90 points-an average of 49 points. In patients with proper vocal cord movement there were results from 0 to 6 points-an average of 2 points. conclusions. 1. Total thyroidectomy in the treatment of bilateral goiter without malignancy features is radical and safe procedure. 2. It protects against goiter relapse and its consequences. 3. Complications rates after total thyroidectomy are at acceptable and comparable proportions to the other operation types.