THYRODECTOMY IN THE ENDEMIC AREA OF GOITER WITH LIMITED RESOURCES. CASE OF GBADOLITE HEALTH ZONE IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO demongrich22@gmail.com

 

THYRODECTOMY IN THE ENDEMIC AREA OF GOITER WITH LIMITED RESOURCES. CASE OF GBADOLITE HEALTH ZONE IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

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Democratic Republic of Congo

Oral or Poster

Thyroid dysfunction mainly goiter is endemic in Gbadolite District. The lack of management programme, surgeons and knowledge about goitre and other thyroid dysfunctions lead to different thyroid diseases and their complications. In this area, goiter is considered as mysterious disease.

All the patients operated for goiter were selected after consultation from June 9 up to June 25, 2024. Patients' variables included age, gender, number of birth, delay of the onset of goiter, volume of the gland and outcomes of surgery.

About a sample of 44 patients, 5 patients were under 30 years (11.36 %), 27 were 31-49 years olds (61.36%); 2 patients were over 70 years (4.74%). The sex ratio was 3:1 or 95.45% of women. 66 % of women were multiparous with more than 5 children. 22 patients (50%) lived with goiter over 15 years with treatment. Most of the thyroid glands weighed > 200 grams and the volume of the gland was related to the duration of the goiter. Total thyroidectomy was the most performed operation (64%). In multi variable analysis, the duration of goiter, the age of the patients and the volume of goiter increased the risk of complications. Haemorrhage was the main complication about 73 %.

Our study has proved that the lack of treatment for thyroid dysfunction and goiter lead to large goiters with surgical complications in a limited resources area. International and local strategies of treatment will help to reduce complications due to goiter and other thyroid diseases.