Total versus bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy for benign multi-nodular goiter.

PURPOSE: To compare the postoperative early-stage complications of total and bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy for benign multi-nodular goiter. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 409 patients. The patients were divided into two groups. A total of 258 (63%) patients underwent total thyroidectomy, and 151 (37%) patients underwent bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy. RESULTS: Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy occurred in six (2.3%) of the total thyroidectomy patients and in three (1.9%) of the bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy patients (P>0.05). No permanent palsy was observed in either of the thyroidectomy groups. Hypocalcemia occurred in 40 (15.5%) of the total thyroidectomy patients and in 27 (17.8%) of those who underwent bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy (P>0.05). Also, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups with respect to the development rates of hematoma and incision site infection (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Because of its low complication rates, total thyroidectomy is a safe procedure for benign multı-nodular goiter.