Modified neck incision subtotal thyroidectomy in the treatment of bilateral nodular thyroid goiter

Objective To compare the curative effect of modified neck incision and traditional neck incision subtotal thyroidectomy in the treatment of bilateral nodular thyroid goiter so as to investigate the clinical application of the two methods.Methods 54 cases with bilateral nodular thyroid goiter were divided into two groups.25 cases were treated with modified neck incision subtotal thyroidectomy while 29 cases with traditional incision subtotal thyroidectomy.Operation time,intraoperative blood loss,postoperative analgesic dosage and complications were observed.Results All operations were successful and no patients were given blood transfusion.The operation time and length of stay of the groups showed no significant difference.The intraoperative blood loss and anodynes dosage of the observation group were less than those of the control group(P 0.01).There was one patient in each group suffering from hoarseness postoperatively and recovered in 3 months after therapy.No postoperative complications and recurrence occurred during 3 to 20-month-follow-up in 48 cases.Conclusion Compared with traditional neck incision subtotal thyroidectomy,modified neck incision subtotal thyroidectomy does not prolong operation time.It is a safe and effective approach in the treatment of bilateral nodular thyroid goiter with a fine incision,less blood loss and analgesic dosage.