Total thyroidectomy versus subtotal thyroidectomy in treatment of multinodular goiter. Meta-Analysis Study

Abstract

The thyroid extends from the level of the fifth cervical vertebra to the first thoracic vertebra. It comprises 2 lateral lobes connected by a central isthmus. A pyramidal lobe may extend superiorly from the isthmus or from the medial portions of the left or right lobes. It is related to many important structures; superior laryngeal nerve, recurrent laryngeal nerve and parathyroid gland are the most vulnerable to complication during thyroidectomy. The thyroid gland is rich in blood supply; it derives its blood supply primarily from the superior and inferior thyroid arteries that are generally constant. A third vessel, thyroidea ima artery, occasionally present. The venous drainage of the thyroid gland is supported by the superior, middle, and the inferior thyroid veins. Multinodular non-toxic goitre is the most common endocrine condition, consisting of a nodular overgrowth of