Thyroid Surgery: A Procedure Requiring Special Caution

     Thyroid surgery demands particular care due to the presence of critical anatomical structures near the thyroid gland. Two key structures requiring the utmost attention are the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the parathyroid glands.

1. Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve

This nerve controls the muscles of the vocal cords. Damage to it can lead to:

• Hoarseness: If injured on one side, it may cause voice changes, difficulty speaking, and choking.
• Breathing difficulties: Bilateral damage may cause airway obstruction, potentially requiring temporary intubation or tracheostomy.

To prevent such complications, surgeons must identify and protect this nerve with precision.

Risk Reduction Technology: Nerve Monitoring (IONM)

Modern surgical practice uses Intraoperative Nerve Monitoring (IONM) to minimize nerve injury.

• Low electrical currents stimulate the nerve.
• Real-time feedback alerts the surgeon to nerve function and any potential injury risks.

2. Parathyroid Glands

These small glands (pea-sized) near the thyroid regulate calcium levels, which are vital for muscle, bone, and nervous system function. Accidental removal or damage may result in hypocalcemia, causing:

• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• Muscle cramps
• Severe cases: seizures or cardiac arrhythmias

Surgeons aim to preserve the parathyroid glands. If removal is necessary, reimplantation is attempted to maintain function.

Advanced Technologies Enhancing Thyroid Surgery

• IONM reduces the risk of vocal cord nerve injury and associated complications.
• PTeye Parathyroid Detection aids in identifying and preserving the parathyroid glands, lowering the risk of postoperative hypocalcemia.
• These technologies significantly enhance surgical safety, reduce complications, and promote faster patient recovery.

Endoscopic ENT Surgery Center

     Ramkhamhaeng Hospital’s Endoscopic ENT Surgery Center, experienced surgeons utilize IONM and PTeye technologies to ensure patient safety and improve surgical outcomes through high-efficiency tools and expert care.

More Detail: Thyroid Surgery Safety with PTeye and Nerve Monitoring Technologies