Objective: The Dunhill procedure gave us an idea to develop a more objective way to
preserve thyroid remnant when performing subtotal lobectomy. We want to study
whether a modified "Dunhill procedure" can decrease the recurrence rate and not
increase the complication rate when we perform the procedure for treatment of
multiple nodular goiter.
Methods: 269 patients took part in this study. 266 patients had bilateral multiple
nodular goiter and 3 patients had bilateral multiple nodular goiter combined with a
cyst. One hundred and thirty five (135) patients in group A were operated on with a
modified "Dunhill procedure". One hundred and thirty four (134) patients in group
B were operated on by bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy with 3-4gm of thyroid
remnant on each side.
Results: Recurrent nodular goiter occurred in 1 case in group A and 8 cases in
group B. The difference was statistically significant (p=0.016) between the two
groups. No recurrent laryngeal nerve injury occurred in group A or B
intraoperatively. Transient cord palsy was found in 5 patients each in groups A and
B. The incidence of temporary nerve palsy was identical (almost identical) in both
groups. No patient needed calcium supplement 6 months after surgery. The numbers
of patients who needed thyroxine during the follow-up period or still took thyroxine
at the last follow up between the two groups were not significantly different.
Conclusion: We conclude that our modified "Dunhill procedure" could be a
considerable method in the treatment of multiple nodular goiter from the viewpoint
of a decreased recurrence and without increased hypothyroidism or other
complications.