Swallowing Function Before and After Surgery for Thyroid Goiter

To date, there have been no comprehensive studies on swallowing function in patients undergoing surgery for multinodular goiter. We hypothesize that 1. Multinodular goiter has significant effect on swallowing function in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, which can be demonstrated by a standardized questionnaire and a formal swallowing evaluation and 2. Surgery will improve swallowing function as measured post-operatively by these same parameters. Patients with multinodular goiter will be asked to fill out a validated survey (SWAL-QOL) on swallowing function in addition to undergoing a formal swallowing evaluation before and after surgery for multinodular goiter (subtotal thyroidectomy) and compared to patients undergoing total thyroidectomy for follicular cancer and less extensive thyroid surgery for other benign processes (lobectomy or lobectomy plus isthmusectomy).