The surgical approach of thyroid nodule(s)

Abstract

Introduction. Thyroid nodules are the most common finding in the thyroid gland and morphologically can denote the hypertrophic form of autoimmune thyroiditis, follicular adenoma, cysts and cancers of the thyroid gland. The foremost clinical importance of the thyroid nodules is given by their malignisation that requires surgical treatment in most cases. Aim of the study. To evaluate the results of surgical treatment of the patients with thyroid nodule(s). Materials and methods. The study included 75 patients with the age between 19 and 67 years, diagnosed with 1 or more thyroid nodule(s) that presented size greater than 1.0 cm, ultrasonographic malignancy criteria - irregular edges, hypoecogenity, intranodular vascularisation, microcalcifications, rigidity of tissues, scintigraphic criterion - "cold nodules" which did not respond to conservative treatment. The volume of surgical interventions was established according to the results of extemporaneous histological examination of the thyroid tissue and consisted of: total thyroidectomies (9), subtotal thyroidectomies (2), unilateral thyroidectomies (52), enucleation of a nodule (2), isthmusectomy (1), hemithyroidectomy combined with contralateral nodule enucleation or hemithyroidectomy combined with contralateral partial lobe resection (9). Results. Complications of intra- and postoperative period and the relapse of pathology were not identified. All the patients were discharged home in good conditions. Hormonal substituents were indicated after surgical treatment pursuant to the level of thyroid hormones. Conclusions. Organ-preserving surgery is an effective method in the radical treatment of thyroid nodule(s).