Thyroidectomy Technique

Question 1

Complications of thyroidectomy?

Answer 1

• Bleeding (often from superior thyroid vessels)
• Infection (seroma is more common)
• Injury to surrounding structures
• Neuro- RLN- 1-2%, 5-10% chance of transient hoarseness; if persistent beyond 6 months laryngoscopy
• EBSLN- 1-2% of long term voice complications
• parathyroid gland injury-10-20% rate of transient hypocalcemia, 1-2% rate of permanent hypocalcemia
• hypothyroidism - lifelong synthroid after near total or total thyroid

Question 2

What is the avascular medial space of Reeves?

Answer 2

space between upper pole of thyroid and cricothyroid muscle

Question 3

Where do you make the incision for a thyroidectomy?

Answer 3

1 fingerbreadth or 1 cm below the cricoid cartilage, along skin crease

Question 4

Where is RLN usually found?

Answer 4

tracheoesophageal groove

passes medial to tubercle of Zuckerkandl

Question 5

What is ligament of berry?

Answer 5

lateral thyrohyoid ligament

Question 6

Relationship of parathyroids to RLN

Answer 6

AI (artificial intelligence)
-anterior to RLN =inferior parathyroid

PS I love you
P= posterior to RLN = Superior parathyroid