Localization and Amount of Thyroid Remnant in Totally Thyroidectomized

Abstract

Objective:To determine the frequency, localization and amount of thyroid remnant in extracapsular thyroidectomized patients.Methods:We postoperatively evaluated the thyroid bed of 38 totally thyroidectomized patients using thyroid scintigraphy, a thyroid uptake study and bilateral neck ultrasonography (US) to determine the extent of residual thyroid tissues.Results:In scintigraphic assessment, thyroid remnant was not seen in the thyroid bed in 13 cases, minimal thyroid remnant was detected in 15 cases, and visible uptake was seen in 10 cases. Ultrasonographic findings revealed the presence of remnant in 12 cases. However, US did not detect all remnant tissues diagnosed by TS.Conclusion:This study demonstrates that minimal thyroid remnant is left in the majority of cases, even after extracapsular total thyroidectomy, especially in the upper and middle zones.

Keywords

• thyroid remnant
• thyroid scintigraphy
• thyroid uptake
• ultrasonography
• thyroidectomy