Abstract

Introduction: Thyroidectomy is commonly performed procedure amıng general surgery oeprations. There are controversy about surgical approach of thyroid operations. In tis research we compared results of total thyroidectomy versus subtotal thyroidectomy for multinodular goitre.
Material and Method: Records of patients that have undergone thyroidectomy with diagnosis of multinodular goitre are investigated retrospectively. Results of patients compared in two goups as total thyroidectomy and subtotal thyroidectomy.
Results: 195 operations performed. 150 of patients have undergone total thyroidectomy. Hypocalcemia developed in 7 patients permanently, and 30 patients temporary. Temporary hypocalcemia was more common in total thyroidecmy group. One sided larengeal nevre injury occured permanently in one patient and temporarly in four patients.
Discussion: Altough complication rates of total thyroidectomy similar or slightly higher than subtotal thyroidectomy, to prevent recurrence of disease or to provide sufficient treatment in patients with cancer, total thyroidectomy must be the procedure to be preferred.