Related Experiment Videos
Thyroid surgery using monitored anesthesia care: an alternative to general anesthesia
P Lo Gerfo1, B A Ditkoff, J Chabot
1Department of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York.
Thyroid : Official Journal of the American Thyroid Association
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Thyroid surgery under local anesthesia (LA) is safe and effective for selected patients. Careful preoperative preparation ensures LA is a viable alternative to general anesthesia, with no major complications observed.
Area of Science:
- Surgery
- Anesthesiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Thyroid surgery is commonly performed.
- General anesthesia is the standard, but local anesthesia (LA) may be an option for select patients.
- Patient preference for avoiding general anesthesia is a growing consideration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of thyroid surgery performed under local anesthesia (LA).
- To assess the feasibility of LA as an alternative to general anesthesia for thyroid procedures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 40 consecutive patients undergoing thyroid surgery under LA.
- Procedures included unilateral lobectomies, partial, subtotal, and total thyroidectomies.
- Deep cervical plexus and field blocks using lidocaine/bupivacaine, with optional mild sedation.
Main Results:
- 55% of cases involved malignant thyroid disease.
- No instances of wound infection, hemorrhage, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, or hypoparathyroidism were reported.
- Two patients (5%) required conversion to general anesthesia due to intolerance or a seizure from intraarterial injection.
Conclusions:
- Thyroid surgery can be safely performed using LA in carefully selected patients by experienced surgeons.
- LA offers a simple and reasonable alternative to general anesthesia when patients are adequately prepared.
- LA may reduce risks associated with general anesthesia for eligible individuals.