Elusoji S O, Iribhogbe P E, Osime O C.
Thyroidectomy under ketamine anaesthesia in a semi urban hospital in Nigeria.
Pak J Med Sci Jan ;25(4):695-7.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ketamine hydrochloride anaesthesia without endotracheal intubation in thyroidectomy. Methodology: Patients with goitres fulfilling selected criteria had thyroidectomy under ketamine over an 11 year period. The data was pooled and analyzed. Results: Fifty five patients all females were included in the study. The average gland weight was 80±19g. Emergence response was the commonest complication. One patient developed respiratory obstruction for which she had tracheostomy. There was no mortality. Conclusions: Thyroidectomy in selected cases under ketamine anaesthesia is safe and economical with minimal morbidity and mortality. We recommend the technique in our sub region where there is a dearth of anaesthetic machines and equipment.

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