Thyroid disease and thyroid surgery present specific challenges for anesthesiologists. This is because these patients have certain physiological changes that need more anesthetic care. This article discussed what are the common problems seen in such patients and what precautions should be taken by anesthesiologists. As the degree of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism increases, clinical manifestations are more evident and have a greater impact on anesthetic care.
Common problems seen in thyroid patients are discussed below: Cardiovascular changes: These are commonly seen in thyroid patients and they may lead to perioperative hemodynamic instability. Hyperthyroid patients have increased heart rate, circulating blood volume, cardiac contractility, and myocardial oxygen consumption, as well as enhanced diastolic relaxation and reduced systemic vascular resistance. On the other hand,…
