Our Summary

The study aimed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a thyroid removal surgery done by a single surgeon through an approach behind the ear. The surgery was carried out using a specialized video scope and a holding system that fixed the endoscope, along with other surgical tools. The solo-surgeon technique was used on 10 female patients with thyroid cancer. The study found no postoperative complications like vocal cord paralysis and hematoma, and the surgery times and amount of fluid drainage were similar to those of a control group of 100 patients who underwent a traditional procedure. The study concluded that a single surgeon performing the surgery is safe and doable, provided the surgeon is competent in this type of operation.

FAQs

  1. What is the aim of the study about thyroidectomy?
  2. How does the solo-surgeon technique compare to traditional thyroidectomy procedures in terms of safety and effectiveness?
  3. What tools and equipment were used in the single surgeon approach to thyroidectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about thyroidectomy is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding strenuous activities until cleared by the surgeon. It is also important to monitor for any signs of infection or complications, such as difficulty breathing, excessive bleeding, or changes in voice. Additionally, maintaining regular communication with the healthcare team and reporting any concerns or questions promptly can help ensure a smooth recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for thyroidectomy include those with:

  1. Thyroid cancer
  2. Large goiters causing compression of nearby structures
  3. Hyperthyroidism that is not controlled with medication
  4. Thyroid nodules that are suspicious for cancer
  5. Graves’ disease
  6. Recurrent thyroid cysts or nodules
  7. Thyroid nodules causing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing

Timeline

Before thyroidectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes initial consultation with an endocrinologist or surgeon to determine the need for thyroidectomy.
  2. Preoperative tests such as blood work, ultrasound, and possibly a fine needle aspiration biopsy are conducted to assess the thyroid condition.
  3. Patient receives preoperative instructions regarding fasting, medications, and anesthesia.
  4. Surgery date is scheduled and patient may need to stay overnight in the hospital.

After thyroidectomy:

  1. Patient wakes up in the recovery room and is monitored for any immediate complications.
  2. Patient may experience sore throat, difficulty speaking, and neck tightness.
  3. Patient is discharged from the hospital within 1-2 days and prescribed pain medication and thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
  4. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor thyroid hormone levels and assess healing.
  5. Patient may experience changes in voice, weight, and energy levels post-surgery and may require adjustments to medication dosage.
  6. Long-term follow-up is needed to monitor for any potential complications or recurrence of thyroid cancer.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What qualifications and experience do you have in performing thyroidectomy surgeries, particularly using the solo-surgeon technique?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with thyroidectomy surgery, and how likely are they to occur?
  3. How long will the surgery take, and what is the expected recovery time?
  4. Will I need to take any medications or follow a specific diet after the surgery?
  5. How will my vocal cords be protected during the surgery to prevent damage?
  6. What follow-up care will be needed after the surgery, and what signs or symptoms should I watch for that may indicate a complication?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options to thyroidectomy that I should consider?
  8. How will the surgery impact my thyroid hormone levels, and will I need to take thyroid hormone replacement therapy after the surgery?
  9. What are the long-term implications of having my thyroid removed, and how will it affect my overall health and well-being?
  10. Can you provide me with information about your success rates and patient outcomes with thyroidectomy surgeries?

Reference

Authors: Lee DY, Baek SK, Jung KY. Journal: J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2017 Jan;27(1):63-66. doi: 10.1089/lap.2016.0140. Epub 2016 May 3. PMID: 27139938