The thyroid gland is a gland located in the front of the neck, just in front of the trachea. Many diseases can occur in this gland, which secretes hormones. Diseases such as goiter, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease, thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, and thyroid infections may occur.

 

Goiter

Goiter is the enlargement of the thyroid gland. Many genetic and environmental factors can cause this enlargement. Turkey is one of the places where goiter disease is common and is considered an endemic goiter region. Treatment should be planned according to the cause of the goiter.

 

Thyroid Nodules

These are formations that occur in the thyroid gland and are very common in our country, usually not requiring surgery. However, nodules should be evaluated in detail as they may be associated with thyroid cancer. Some tests such as blood tests, thyroid ultrasound, thyroid scintigraphy, and thyroid biopsy may be necessary for this evaluation. Surgery may be required if there is cancer or suspicion of cancer. Sometimes, even if there is no cancer, surgery may be necessary if the nodule compresses the trachea or esophagus or causes aesthetic discomfort. Additionally, in toxic goiter cases, surgery may be necessary even if none of the conditions mentioned above exist.

 

Thyroid Cancer

The first stage of treatment for thyroid cancer is surgical treatment. The type of surgery to be performed is decided based on the size and location of the nodule. Although it is often necessary to remove the entire thyroid gland, in some cases, removing only a part of the thyroid gland may be sufficient. Other treatments are decided based on the pathological examination of the tissues removed during surgery. In some cases, radioactive iodine therapy may be necessary.

 

Thyroid Surgery

The biggest concern in thyroid surgery is hoarseness. Although very rare, changes in voice and hoarseness can occur due to damage to the nerves that go to the vocal cords during surgery. With surgical experience, this risk has been reduced to almost negligible. Also, with the development of medical technological devices, preserving the nerve has become easier. The nerve monitoring device used during surgery makes it easier to find the nerve during surgery, thus minimizing the risk of nerve injury.

Although thyroid surgeries are generally performed through a 5-6 cm incision made on the neck, surgeries can also be performed using special techniques such as the scarless goiter surgery method from inside the mouth or under the armpit.

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SCARLESS GOITER SURGERY WITH A CLOSED METHOD WITHOUT A NECK SCAR

Goiter surgeries are generally performed with an incision made on the neck. However, the fact that there will be a surgical scar in the most prominent part of the body is the biggest concern of those who need this surgery. With the development of technology and its reflection in the field of health, it is possible to have goiter surgery without a scar on the neck using some special technological devices.

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Who Can Have Scarless Goiter Surgery with a Closed Method?

Not every patient can have scarless goiter surgery with a closed method. Factors such as the size of the thyroid gland, the size of the nodules, biopsy results if any, and ultrasound findings are taken into account when making this decision. Having thyroid cancer does not prevent closed surgery. Closed surgery can also be performed on appropriate thyroid cancer patients.

 

Can Parathyroid Gland Surgeries Be Performed in a Closed Manner?

Yes. In the preoperative examinations, the location of the diseased parathyroid gland is determined, and parathyroid gland surgeries can also be performed in a closed manner.