Thyroidectomy under Local Anaesthesia: A Viable Option in a Resource Limited Community

Abstract

Background: In most centers worldwide, thyroidectomy is performed under general anaesthesia as a result of advances in anaesthetic technique, consideration for patients' safety and surgeons' convenience. However, in some developing countries such as Nigeria, facilities and expertise for general anaesthesia are not equitably distributed. As such, they are not available in some health centers especially in the rural communities. Hence, the need to explore other suitable alternatives such as operating under local anaesthesia. Aim: This study aims to highlight the feasibility and safety of thyroidectomy under local anaesthesia at a surgical outreach in a rural community in Nigeria. Patients and Methods: The study site was conducted at Bethany Medical Centre, Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria. It was a one-week surgical outreach. Neck infiltration with local anaesthesia was carried out using 2% xylocaine with adrenaline 1:200,000 and a standard open technique was used to carry out all thyroidectomies. Results: Out of seventy (70) patients that presented during the study period, 31 (44.3%) met the inclusion criteria and were operated within the seven (7) days period. There were 3 (10.7%) males and 28 (89.3%) females. There ages ranged between 22 to 65 years, average was 43 years. The average duration of surgery was 90 minutes, and 3 days' hospital stay. Those followed up two weeks post-operation recuperated well with no notable complications. Conclusion: Thyroidectomy under local anaesthesia is safe and feasible in our rural communities and in selected cases can be a suitable alternative to general anaesthesia.