Patterns of Surgically Treated Thyroid Disease: A Two Years Review at St. Paul Hospital Millennium medical Collage, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Thyroid disease is a common disorder of the endocrine system worldwide. It is a common problem in developing countries, including Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to determine the burden and the pattern of thyroid disease in St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients' medical records over a two-year period, January 2013–december 2014, was done. OR log books, and individual patient medical records was used for the review. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 20. RESULTS: A total of 2201 general surgical operations were done in a two-year period. Of these, 250(11%) were for thyroid surgery. Records of 222(88.8%) patients were found and used for analysis. Females accounted for 91.4% with F: M ratio of 10.7:1. The common mode of presentations were anterior neck swelling (91.4%) and toxic (29.7%) and pressure symptoms(19.4%). The common physical findings identified were multi nodular goiter (57.2%), diffuse goiter (23.9%) and solitary nodule (5.8%). FNAC showed that Nodular colloid goiter was common diagnosis (68.5%). Neoplasms accounted for 15.9% of the diagnosis; of this follicular neoplasm make (54%) and papillary cancer (20%). Functionally, hyperthyroid goiter 28.8% and euthyroid goiters (64 %). Transient hypocalcaemia (3.2%) and hoarseness of voice (1.8%) were the commonest complications. There was no postoperative mortality. CONCLUSION: Hyperthyroidism and neoplasms make significant proportions of the patients. Follicular neoplasm is the commonest tumor. Morbidity and mortality rates are comparable to the literature.