A Clinical Evaluation of Total Thyroidectomy Manifestations, Indications, and Complications at Sulaymaniyah Teaching Hospitals
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21928/uhdjst.v10n1y2026.pp79-87Keywords:
Goiter, Manifestations, Indications, Thyroidectomy, ComplicationsAbstract
Background: Overall, the management of thyroid disease still relies heavily on total thyroidectomy. Aim: The aim of the study was to describe the clinical manifestations, indications, and complications of total thyroidectomy performed for thyroid diseases in Sulaymaniyah, Shar, and Surgical teaching hospitals. Patients and Methods: A retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, including 167 patients who received total thyroidectomies at Sulaymaniyah Surgical Teaching Hospital and Shar Teaching Hospital in Sulaymaniyah City, Iraq, between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2024. The data collected through a constructed questionnaire, which was filled out from patient chart files, was one of the study’s instruments. Telephone calls were made to inquire about the patients’ post-thyroidectomy problems and thyroxine dosage. Results: Out of the 167 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy, 147 were female. A total of 96 patients reported neck swelling, with 12 patients experiencing neck pain before surgery. In addition, 65 patients reported breathing difficulties, while others presented other clinical symptoms. 132 patients presented with benign multinodular goiter (MNG), toxic goiter, or diffuse goiter, while 35 patients were diagnosed with thyroid cancer or had suspicious glandular characteristics. 136 experienced no post-operative complications, whereas three individuals suffered from chronic voice change and persistent dyspnea. Conclusion: The predominant complaint of patients who underwent total thyroidectomy was neck swelling with neck discomfort before surgery. Patients diagnosed with MNG and thyroid cancer had a complete thyroidectomy. During post-operative follow-up, permanent voice change and permanent dyspnea were observed in some cases.
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