How Can Minimally Invasive Thyroidectomy Benefit Me?

A minimally invasive thyroidectomy is an advanced surgical technique used for a thyroid gland operation. An extremely small opening is made a fairly good distance from the thyroid gland such as in the chest area or beneath the armpit. An endoscope is generally used to guide the surgeon. You will talk to the surgeon prior to the operation about your options, specific needs, the available equipment and the experience of the surgeon. You may or may not be a good candidate for a minimally invasive thyroidectomy. This will be determined by the surgeon.

The procedure has refined endoscopic surgery which requires both video scopes and endoscopes. The endoscope is guided through the use of a small magnification camera inserted beneath the arm or in the neck. A thin tube with an edge similar to a scalpel is then inserted. The thyroid is removed using this surgical tool.

The latest development for thyroid gland surgery is robot-assisted endoscopic surgery. Robots are used to give the surgeon a magnified, three-dimensional view of the area. This additionally enables the surgeon to make extremely precise movements. This is accomplished by the robotic system translating the bigger movements made by the hands of the surgeon into small movements of the instruments. The blood supply to the thyroid gland must be stopped for both types of surgery. The trachea is then separated by the surgeon from the thyroid to enable part or all of the thyroid gland to be removed.

The Minimally Invasive Thyroidectomy Procedure

The surgeon is extremely careful to identify and avoid causing any damage to the voice box or the nerves. These are found right behind the thyroid gland. It is critical to ensure no damage is caused to these nerves. There is a Nerve Integrity Monitoring System that helps with the identification of these nerves. The system monitors the nerves and provides confirmation that no damage has occurred during the operation. The surgeon is also very careful with the identification and preservation of four small parathyroid glands located right next to the thyroid gland. These glands produce the parathormone hormone which controls the levels of calcium in the blood.

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The main benefit of a minimally invasive thyroidectomy is the relief the patient experiences from all of their symptoms. The minimally invasive procedure offers a much faster recovery period and the scar is a lot smaller than with the traditional surgery. In most cases, some type of thyroid hormone replacement therapy is necessary after surgery. This is dependent on how much of the gland has been removed. Any permanent changes to the voice are extremely rare. The voice will require a few weeks to go back to normal. If you are interested in a minimally invasive thyroidectomy, please make an appointment with Advanced Ear, Nose and Throat Associates. At our convenient location in Atlanta, GA, our caring and dedicated team of professionals will be pleased to explain this option in greater detail and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!