The changing aspect of thyroid surgery: a review of 130 consecutive cases

A retrospective analysis was performed on 130 thyroid gland operations from January 1986 to September 1992. In 69% a lobectomy and in 28% a subtotal thyroidectomy was performed for benign thyroid disorders. A total thyroidectomy for malignancy was required in only 3%. Recurrences, operated earlier elsewhere accounted for 6% of the cases. A dramatic fall in diagnostic lobectomies is seen through the years since the use of Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) as a decisive tool in surgical strategy. The total load of thyroid surgery remains the same, but it has become more therapeutic: hyperthyroidism and relief of tracheo-oesophageal compression by large goiters have become the major indications for surgery. These procedures are more demanding on the surgeon, but early surgery and standard technique can keep complications to a minimum.