Study on Subtotal Thyroidectomy under Local Anesthesia in a Pregnant Woman Presenting with Giant Goiter: A Case Study

B. A. Eke; B. A. Ojo; A. O. Ojabo; M. T. Maanongun; V. I. Ugwu; E. O. Umobong; M. Ogiator; P. Abayol; M. Efu; Chukwukadibia N. Ahachi; Priscilla Denen Akaa

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.
A. O. Ojabo Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria.
M. T. Maanongun Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria.
V. I. Ugwu Department of Pathology, National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria.
E. O. Umobong Department of Laboratory Medicine, State House Clinic, Abuja, Nigeria.
M. Ogiator Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria.
P. Abayol College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria.
M. Efu Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria.
Chukwukadibia N. Ahachi Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria.
Priscilla Denen Akaa Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria.

Keywords: Giant goiter, subtotal thyroidectomy, local anesthesia

Abstract

Thyroid surgery is performed by most surgeons in practice using general anesthesia. In resource poor developing nations with paucity of anesthetists, anesthetic drugs and equipment, it can be done under local anesthesia with acceptable results. We report a case of a 17 week pregnant woman who presented with giant goiter and respiratory obstructive symptoms. Post-op, she carried the pregnancy to term with safe delivery. She was followed up for two years with no morbidity recorded. Thyroidectomy using local anesthesia is safe and cost effective and applicable to a wide range of patients, including those who pose a general anesthetic risk like this one.