Hypothyroidism following partial thyroidectomy

Abstract

Objective: To compare rates of hypothyroidism following three types of partial thyroidectomy for multinodular goiter. Study Design and Methods: All cases of partial thy‐roidectomies (hemi‐, near‐total, or subtotal) carried out at one Israeli and one Russian medical center (1990–2006) were retrospectively studied to determine the incidence of hypothyroidism after each procedure. Results: There were 881 near‐total, 1538 subtotal, and 1051 hemithyroidectomies (total 3470). Postoperative follow‐up was 2 to 15 years. Twenty‐eight percent of the hemithyroidectomy patients suffered permanent hypothyroidism compared to 100% of the near‐total and 87% of the subtotal patients. Forty‐six percent of the hemithyroidectomy patients suffered temporary hypothyroid‐ism compared to 100% of the near‐total and 93% of the subtotal patients. Conclusion: Subtotal and near‐total thyroidectomies produced a rate of hypothyroidism close to that of total thyroidectomy compared to 28% after hemithyroidectomy. Significance: Partial thyroidectomies provide no decisive advantage over total thyroidectomies in terms of subsequent requirements of supplemental hormone therapy.