Total thyroidectomy. Rationale, technique, and morbidity.

Abstract

In a series of 37 cases of total thyroidectomy the excisional technique involved preservation of part of the glandular capsule on the less involved side, together with the parathyroid glands and their blood supply. The morbidity associated with this type of surgery appears minimal. In four out of 17 patients examined with sodium iodide 131 after operation, residual thyroid tissue was demonstrated. Partial intracapsular dissection is recommended on the less involved side in malignant conditions and bilaterally in selected cases of benign thyroid disease.