THYROID SCINTIGRAPHY: AN OVERUSED INVESTIGATION

Background: Thyroid disorders are commonly encountered in general surgical practice. The purpose of this study was to determine how closely thyroid scintigraphy was ordered according to its indications in patients with thyroid diseases and the magnitude of its impact on the management. Material Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out mainly at Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad over a period of 3 years from May 2005 to April 2008. All patients presenting with thyroid swelling and undergoing any type of thyroid operation were included in the study. Special emphasis was made on the indication of thyroid scintigraphy in these patients and its impact on the treatment. Results: Out of 140 patients, 98 had thyroid scintigraphy done. Among these only 26 patients (26.5%) had it according the indication. In remaining 72 patients, thyroid scintigraphy did not reveal any added information to help in treatment plan. Conclusion: Thyroid scintigraphy is an overused investigation in thyroid patients. Routine use of thyroid scintigraphy in all goiter patients should be discouraged