Clinico-pathological features and surgical management of multinodular goitre

Abstract

Background: Enlargement of thyroid gland is the most common manifestation of thyroid disease. Most of the patients come from endemic zones. This study was designed to study various aspects of clinicopathological presentations of multinodular goitre and their optimal surgical management. Methods: This was a prospective observational study of 50 cases of multinodular goitre with an adequate follow up to look for epidemiological parameters such as clinical presentation, pathological behaviour and modality of management including post operative complications over a period of 02 years. Results: Females were predominant in number over males with a sex ratio 24:1. FNAC was done for all patients and was found to be 100% accurate. Majority of the patients were treated with total thyroidectomy (56%), followed by hemithyroidectomy (44%). Complications included wound infection (4%) and seroma formation (4%). Conclusions: Multi nodular goitre is more common in females and majority are in the age group of 31-39 years. The chief complaint in majority of the patients is swelling in front of the neck and few patients with pressure symptoms. FNAC is an invaluable, minimally invasive, highly accurate and cost-effective procedure for preoperative diagnosis and management of multinodular goitre. The main indication for surgery in MNG is cosmetic problem and total thyroidectomy is the ideal treatment of MNG with minimal complications.