Reoperation of the thyroid gland(A report of 186 cases)

Objective To discuss the surgical manoeuvre and techniques for reoperation of the thyroid gland.Methods The clinical data of 186 patients undergoing reoperation of the thyroid gland, admitted during the period from January 2001 to Dceember 2006, were reviewed.Results The numbers of patients who had previously undergone one or≥2 thyroid operations were 109, and 77, respectively.Among these patients, 83 cases were proved to be nodular goiters, one case was demonstated to be an adenomatous goiter, 99 cases were differentiated thyroid cancers, and 3 cases were medullary thyroid cancers.No operation-related recurrent laryngeal nerve and or superior laryngeal nerve injury occured.After reoperation, 168 patients experienced numbness of the limbs, among them 34 patients had tetany.All but one patient recovered 2 weeks after the operation.Conclusion Total thyroidectomy is the strategy of choice for the patients with previous thyroid operation(s).Parathyroids and the contralateral recurrent laryngeal nerve should be carefully protected during the operation.Postoperative calcium supplement is recommended.