Clinical characteristics of patients operated on for thyroid nodules at the Fermín Valdés Domínguez Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Thyroid nodules are a common condition with increasing detection rates. They are one of the leading causes of outpatient consultations. Despite their high frequency, thyroid cancer only accounts for 5%. Objective: To characterize patients who underwent surgery for thyroid nodules at the Fermín Valdés Domínguez Military Hospital in Holguín. Methods: A descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study was carried out at the Military Hospital of Holguín "Fermín Valdés Domínguez", in the period from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. The universe consisted of 21 patients operated on with a diagnosis of thyroid nodule who met the inclusion criteria designed for the research. Results: Female patients predominated (81%) and the 50-59 age group (33.3%). The most common reason for consultation was thyroid gland enlargement (85.7%). The most frequent histological result was multinodular goiter (42.9%). Total thyroidectomy was the most common procedure (75.6%), and hypoparathyroidism was the most frequent complication (14.3%). Conclusions: Thyroid nodules are more prevalent in women, and from the fourth decade of life onwards, uninodular or multinodular enlargement is the most frequent clinical manifestation. Total thyroidectomy was the most commonly used surgical technique and had the fewest complications.