Subtotal Thyroidectomy under Local Anesthesia in a Pregnant Woman Presenting with Giant Goiter: A Case Study

Thyroid surgery is performed by most surgeons in practice using general anesthesia. In resource poor developing nations with paucity of anesthetists, anesthetic drugs and equipment, it can be done under local anesthesia with acceptable results. We report a case of a 17 week pregnant woman who presented with giant goiter and respiratory obstructive symptoms. Post-op, she carried the pregnancy to term with safe delivery. She was followed up for two years with no morbidity recorded. Thyroidectomy using local anesthesia is safe and cost effective and applicable to a wide range of patients, including those who pose a general anesthetic risk.