Patient satisfaction following thyroidectomy in surgical mission: a prospective study

The primary role of iodine deficiency in goitrogenesis and the primary role of endemic goiter in the incidence of thyroid cancers is well-established (1). Iodine deficiency was defined by the WHO as “the single most important preventable cause of brain damage” (2). Although Philippines has been improving the prevention of iodine deficiency through government policies since 1995 (3), endemic goiter, thyroid carcinoma in addition to mental disorders due to iodine deficiency in newborns still exist in most parts of the country. Multinodular or large goiters with compressive symptoms as well as thyroid cancers mandate surgery varying from partial resection to total thyroidectomy