Critical Study on Subtotal Thyroidectomy for Giant Goiters under Local Anesthesia: Experience with 15 Nigerians

B. A. Eke; B. A. Ojo; W. T. Yongu; C. Ahachi; P. Denen-Akaa; V. I. Ugwu; P. Abayol; E. O. Umobong

B. A. Eke Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria.
B. A. Ojo Department of Histopathology, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria.
W. T. Yongu Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria.
C. Ahachi Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria.
P. Denen-Akaa Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria.
V. I. Ugwu Department of Pathology, National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria.
P. Abayol College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria.
E. O. Umobong Department of Laboratory Medicine, State House Clinic, Abuja, Nigeria.

Keywords: Thyroidectomy, giant goiters, anesthesia, endotracheal intubation

Abstract

Thyroid surgery is performed by majority of surgeons using general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. In resource poor countries, the paucity of equipment and Anesthetists limit such procedure needing endotracheal intubation. We describe our experiences with 15 Nigerians who presented with giant goiters and were operated using local anesthesia. We conclude that subtotal thyroidectomy under local anesthesia is safe and cost effective. It should be encouraged in resource- poor countries and save the patients from living with the stigmata of goiters when they are not able to pay their ways to centers that use general anesthesia with endotacheal intubation for such procedure.