Characterization of Patients Operated on for Nodular Thyroid Conditions

Abstract

Introduction: Thyroid nodules are a frequent problem; they should be studied, especially because of the possibility that they may be malignant.

Objective: To characterize patients with thyroid surgical conditions in Cienfuegos Province, from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017.

Methods: A descriptive and retrospective study of 225 patients with thyroid surgical affections was carried out in the surgery service of Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima General University Hospital, in Cienfuegos Province, during a three-year period. The variables analyzed were age, sex, affected lobe, physical and ultrasound nodular characteristics of nodules, used biopsy modalities and their correlation, surgical technique, histological variety and postoperative complications. A data collection model was used with the variables of interest, presented in tables of frequency, numbers and percentages.

Results: Females predominated (87.1 %), together with the age group 41-50 years (34.7 %) and the left lobe (45.3 %). Single, mobile, refractory and echogenic nodules prevailed. Papillary carcinoma (59.6 %) and multinodular goiter (25.3 %) predominated. Hemithyroidectomy was the most employed surgical procedure (44.9 %) and transient dysphonia (4.9 %) was the most frequent complication.

Conclusions: The daily clinical practice of thyroid conditions evidences the necessary interrelation between endocrinologists, surgical doctors, oncologists, imaginologists and pathologists, among others, for the multi- and interdisciplinary approach in the diagnosis and managment of these patients.