Critical Study on Subtotal Thyroidectomy for Giant Goiters under Local Anesthesia: Experience with 15 Nigerians

Thyroid surgery is performed by majority of surgeons using general anesthesia with endotracheal
intubation. In resource poor countries, the paucity of equipment and Anesthetists limit such procedure
needing endotracheal intubation. We describe our experiences with 15 Nigerians who presented with
giant goiters and were operated using local anesthesia. We conclude that subtotal thyroidectomy
under local anesthesia is safe and cost effective. It should be encouraged in resource- poor countries
and save the patients from living with the stigmata of goiters when they are not able to pay their ways
to centers that use general anesthesia with endotacheal intubation for such procedure.