Adenomatous goitre: therapeutic strategy, postoperative outcome, and study of epidermal growth factor receptor

A total of 377 patients with histologically proven adenomatous goitre was operated on, 34 as a second operation, and assessed for postoperative outcome (including the incidence of unsuspected malignancy) and immunohistochemical localization of epidermal growth factor receptor. In primary surgery, enucleation of all the nodules was carried out. Patients requiring reoperation showed multicystic degenerate nodules involving one or both lobes. A coexistent cancer was observed in 18 patients (4.8 per cent). The immunohistochemically detected expression of epidermal growth factor receptor in adenomatous goitre was more evident in patients with multinodular lesions. Near-total lobectomy of the involved side(s) is desirable for the prevention of recurrence and complications after operation.