Chapter 21 SURGERY OF THE THYROID

Abstract

Incidence rates of thyroid cancer have increased substantially worldwide in the past several decades. Thus, diseases of the thyroid gland and their treatment remain one of the most interesting and dynamic areas of study in medicine. This chapter presents a clear and concise description of current thought and practice concerning the surgical treatment of thyroid diseases. Sections within this chapter include 1) normal and abnormal anatomy and embryology of the thyroid and surrounding neck structures; 2) indications for operation of benign lesions of this gland; 3) diagnosis of thyroid nodules, stressing the use of fine needle aspiration with cytologic analysis; 4) preparation for operation and care of patients with Graves’ disease; 5) surgical approaches for treatment of the different types of thyroid cancer; 6) operative techniques for thyroidectomy including descriptions of standard open, minimally invasive, endoscopic, robotic and transoral approaches; 7) complications of thyroidectomy and their treatment; and 8) developmental abnormalities of the thyroid and their treatment. This chapter offers information for physicians and endocrinologists, as well as for surgeons. For complete coverage of this and related areas in Endocrinology, visit our FREE web-book, www,thyroidmanager.org