Risk factors in reoperative thyroid surgery for recurrent goitre: our experience.

Abstract

Reoperative thyroid surgery is a technical challenge with a high incidence of complications. Scarring, edema and friability of the tissues together with distortion of the landmarks make reoperative surgery hazardous. A higher risk of complications is described when previous surgery has been performed on both sides. Total thyroidectomy should be considered the procedure of choice for benign multinodular goiter eliminating the potential of a reoperation. Whenever necessary, reoperative thyroidectomy may be performed safely with little morbidity in experienced hands.