Ethnic differences in patients undergoing thyroidectomy for non-toxic multinodular goitre

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Thyroid Disease Epidemiology
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Māori populations exhibit a higher incidence of thyrotoxicosis compared to non-Māori.
• Limited data exists regarding benign non-toxic nodular thyroid disease in Māori individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate disparities in non-toxic multinodular goitre (NTMNG) surgery rates between Māori and non-Māori populations.
• To compare thyroid gland size in Māori and non-Māori patients undergoing total thyroidectomy for NTMNG.

Main Methods:

• A single-center retrospective study was conducted.
• Data was collected from patients who underwent thyroidectomy for NTMNG between December 1, 2006, and November 30, 2016.

Main Results:

• Māori patients were overrepresented in NTMNG surgery (34%) compared to their population prevalence (~17%).
• Māori patients were younger and had significantly larger thyroid glands at surgery compared to non-Māori.
• Low complication rates were observed across all ethnic groups.

Conclusions:

• Māori individuals experience higher rates of NTMNG surgery and present with larger thyroid glands.
• The underlying reasons for these ethnic differences in NTMNG require further investigation.