Thyroidectomy Under Regional Anaesthesia: An ORL Perspective

BACKGROUND: The use of regional anaesthesia as an effective alternative to general anaesthesia in thyroid surgeries is now being accepted in many parts of the world. In this day of computers and technology, there is an increased awareness among the people of the available options of anaesthesia and the adverse effects of general anaesthesia. They thus have an inclination to avoid general anaesthesia wherever feasible. This study dwells on the use of regional anaesthesia as an alternative tool that can be offered to the patients undergoing thyroidectomy. AIMS: This study aims at analysing the effectiveness, safety, ease and patient acceptability of performing thyroidectomies under regional anaesthesia. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This prospective study was performed at a university - affiliated hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty nine patients who underwent thyroidectomy for benign thyroid diseases under regional anaesthesia were included in this study: 20 patients under deep cervical plexus block and 9 patients under cervical epidural anaesthesia. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Z-test and validity test. RESULTS: In our study, all the 29 patients who underwent thyroidectomy under regional anaesthesia found the anaesthesia effective and were comfortable throughout the procedure. The surgeon too was at ease while performing the surgery. No complications were recorded. CONCLUSION: In our present study, regional anaesthesia (Cervical epidural anaesthesia and Cervical plexus block) has been used safely and effectively in 29 thyroid surgeries. We conclude that although regional anaesthesia has been reserved for high risk thyroidectomies it may be offered as effective alternative to general anaesthesia even in routine thyroid surgeries.