Endoscopic
Minimally Invasive Thyroidectomy

The most common reason to remove part or all of the thyroid gland is concern over a nodule that is suspicious for cancer. Less often, the gland may be excised because of enlargement that causes symptoms including pressure on the neck and trouble swallowing or breathing.

In removing all or part of the gland, the surgeon has to be aware of certain vital structures including the laryngeal nerves (controls voice) and the very small parathyroid glands (controls calcium levels). Traditionally, the procedure has been performed through an incision in the lower neck in a natural crease line. It is still the most common way to remove the gland because it gives the surgeons the greatest exposure to view all of the structures necessary for safe and successful removal of the gland. It rarely leaves a noticeable scar.

With the widespread use of small telescopes (endoscopes), surgery in general as been transformed over the last 20 years. With these new instruments, surgeons have the capability of removing the gallbladder, appendix, as well as the thyroid gland through much smaller incisions of one to two inches. The criteria for removing the gland through small incisions is that the nodule should be less than 1 inch in diameter and the gland should not be inflamed (thyroiditis). However, if the gland is unusually large, it should not be removed through a small incision.

The head and neck surgeons here at Capitol Ear, Nose and Throat are capable of performing all types of Thyroid surgery. You should speak with your physician to determine the best method for surgical removal.