Complications in bland struma surgery. A retrospective study based on 2,035 personal cases
Vara-Thorbeck, R.; Tovar, J.L.; Rosell, J.; Guerero, J.A.; Ruiz, M.; Salvi, M.; Morales, O.I.; Vara-Thorbeck, C.
Zentralblatt für Chirurgie 114(9): 571-576
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0044-409X PMID: 2741581 Document Number: 340423
In the present retrospective study we examine the complications arising from simple goiter operations based on the analysis of 2,035 cases. The mortality rate is extremely low (0.3%). The most typical intraoperative complications - such as unilateral vocal cord paralysis (1.6%) and permanent parathyroprival hypocalcemia (0.4%) were observed to occur much more frequently in cases of subtotal thyroidectomy than in those of partial resection. - As a result of the introduction of synthetic reabsorbent sewing materials, healing problems have been drastically reduced (0.4%). Hypothyreosis and goiter recurrence can be avoided in cases of subtotal thyroidectomy by life-long and individually adjusted administration of thyroid hormones (rate of incidence in our study 3.1%). - In our view a subtotal thyroidectomy is indicate in cases where malignity is suspected (one or more cold nodules).