Thyroidectomy
A thyroidectomy involves removal of all or a portion of the thyroid gland.
Located in the front area of the neck, the butterfly shaped thyroid is an
important gland that produces hormones that regulate how the body uses energy.
It can be subject to several medical problems, including hypothyroidism (underactivity),
hyperthyroidism (overactivity), goiter (enlargement), benign tumors, and
cancerous tumors.
A conventional thyroidectomy involves making a low horizontal neck incision
to approach thyroid gland. It is used to remove cancerous or benign (noncancerous)
tumors, to remove all or part of a goiter, and to treat an overactive thyroid. A
problem for many people with this surgical procedure is that it sometimes leaves
an unsightly scar on the neck.
To reduce scarring, a procedure called an endoscopic thyroidectomy was
developed. In this procedure three or four small incisions are made in the area
near the armpit and a viewing instrument called an endoscope and small surgical
instruments are inserted. The surgeon then uses a tiny camera on the end of the
endoscope to display the thyroid on a monitor while removing a portion of the
gland. At the end of the procedure, the incisions are closed with surgical tape
or tiny stitches. This remarkable procedure occurs in an area where a scar
normally wouldn’t be seen. In addition, whatever scarring does occur is very
small. An endoscopic thyroidectomy is not suitable for what is obviously
advanced cancer or the removal of nodules larger than four centimeters.
Bangkok Ear Nose and Throat Center has a great deal of experience with
thyroidectomy operations. Our surgeons are especially adept at endoscopic
thyroidectomy procedures, and complications using this technique are no greater
than with conventional procedures. Many patients have expressed satisfaction
with the technique and when appropriate it is the preferred method of treatment.
For more information, please contactt
Bangkok Ear, Nose & Throat Center
Tel. (662) 310 3010, (662) 310 3188
Email : info@bangkokhospital.com