Hypothyroidism – An Underestimated Complication After Hemithyroidectomy: A Preliminary Study Report

Introduction Hypothyroidism is a significant but an under-appreciated complication of hemithyroidectomy. The focus of this study was to assess the incidence of hypothyroidism occurring after hemithyroidectomy, identify the risk factors and to suggest a possible follow-up guideline for diagnosis. Materials and Methods An institution based preliminary study was conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, in a tertiary care hospital, from August 2014 to December 2015 on 25 patients. The patients were regularly followed up in 1st month, 3rd month, 6th month, 9th month and 1 year period with the thyroid function test. Results Incidence of hypothyroidism occurring after hemithyroidectomy including transient and permanent cases is 32%. Increased age of presentation, longer duration of thyroid swelling, pre-operative serum TSH level >2.5 mIU/ml, lymphocytic infiltration in histopathology and right sided hemithyroidectomy were found to be the possible risk factors. Conclusion It is indicated from this preliminary report that there should be a serial thyroid function monitoring in every post-operative hemithyroidectomy patient, and special attention should be given to the risk group