National trends are showing statistically significant increase in the thyroid surgeries being performed by otorhinolaryngologist surgeons. There is a rising interest among the otorhinolaryngology surgeons subspecializing in head and neck surgeries to increase the horizons in the advancements in thyroid surgeries. Cervical epidural anesthesia (CEA) for thyroid surgeries is gaining popularity over general anesthesia (GA) for the various advantages it offers.

This prospective study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness and ease of thyroidectomy under CEA as compared to GA.

A prospective study of total of 30 patients undergoing thyroid surgery from two teaching hospitals. They were randomly allotted into CEA and GA groups of 15 members each.

In the CEA group, postoperative comfort and economic feasibility were found to be better compared to GA group. The blood volume loss was lesser in the CEA group. The CEA group also offered the added advantage of vocal cord monitoring by voice contact during the surgery. Both the CEA and GA group maintained hemodynamic stability. There were no complications in both the groups.

Even though thyroid surgery is currently being performed mostly under GA, CEA must be considered for thyroid surgeries routinely. CEA offers a number of advantages of GA in selected cases. This study has proved that CEA has distinct advantages over GA in thyroidectomies. Considering the ease and effectiveness of CEA, it is as good as GA, if not better, even in routine thyroidectomies.

Mohammed S, Santosh UP, Pereira N. Comparison of Cervical Epidural Anesthesia and General Anesthesia for Thyroid Surgery. Int J Otorhinolaryngol Clin 2014;6(1):1-4.