Prediction of Hypothyroidism after Hemithyroidectomy: A Biochemical and Pathological Analysis.

Abstract

The possibility of postsurgical hypothyroidism after hemithyroidectomy is an underappreciated complication . We intended to evaluate the incidence of development of hypothyroidism after hemithyroidectomy and to analyze the relationship of posthemithyroidectomy hypothyroidism with preoperative biochemical parameters(preoperative TSH,Thyroid antibody levels) and postoperative histopathological findings. From November 2010 to May 2011, 60 cases of hemithyroidectomized patients were analyzed. Postoperative hypothyroidism developed in 19 patients(31.66%). Preoperative TSH value was significantly higher in the hypothyroid group (2.68 μIU/ml) compared to the euthyroid group (1.39 μIU/ml). Elevated thyroid antibody(TAA) levels were observed in 53% of patients developing postoperative hypothyroidism as compared to 12% of patients who remain euthyroid (p = 0.00077) . Moreover, patients with a higher grade of lymphocytic infiltration were found to have a higher probability of developing hypothyroidism. In addition, our findings support the recommendation for regular serum TSH follow-up at least for 6 months after hemithyroidectomy.