Blair A Wormer1, Christopher R McHenry. 1. Department of Surgery, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44109-1998, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the indications and outcome of surgery in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). METHODS: All patients who underwent thyroidectomy from 1990 to 2009 with pathologically confirmed HT were identified. Patients whose principle diagnosis was HT were evaluated for symptoms and outcome of thyroidectomy. RESULTS: Thirty-two (15%) of 216 patients with HT were referred with thyroid enlargement and compressive symptoms; 25 (78%) had an associated nodule and 12 (38%) had retrosternal extension. Symptom resolution occurred in 30 (94%) and improvement occurred in 2 (6%) patients after total thyroidectomy in 21 (66%) and thyroid lobectomy in 11 (34%) patients. The only complication was transient hypocalcemia in 12 (38%) patients. One patient had an incidental thyroid lymphoma. CONCLUSIONS: HT is a cause for diffuse or nodular goiter that may impinge on vital structures in the neck and thyroidectomy is safe and effective for relief of compressive symptoms.
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the indications and outcome of surgery in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). METHODS: All patients who underwent thyroidectomy from 1990 to 2009 with pathologically confirmed HT were identified. Patients whose principle diagnosis was HT were evaluated for symptoms and outcome of thyroidectomy. RESULTS: Thirty-two (15%) of 216 patients with HT were referred with thyroid enlargement and compressive symptoms; 25 (78%) had an associated nodule and 12 (38%) had retrosternal extension. Symptom resolution occurred in 30 (94%) and improvement occurred in 2 (6%) patients after total thyroidectomy in 21 (66%) and thyroid lobectomy in 11 (34%) patients. The only complication was transient hypocalcemia in 12 (38%) patients. One patient had an incidental thyroid lymphoma. CONCLUSIONS:HT is a cause for diffuse or nodular goiter that may impinge on vital structures in the neck and thyroidectomy is safe and effective for relief of compressive symptoms.