What is endoscopic thyroidectomy? Thyroid surgery that leaves no visible scar

2023-04-24 20:40:00

The thyroidectomy is a procedure that is performed to remove the thyroid, located in the lower part of the neck, depending on the cause that has sickened this small gland, the doctor will decide if it is necessary to remove all or only part of it. One of the newest techniques is the endoscopic thyroidectomy: the thyroid surgery that does not leave visible scar.

The thyroid It is a gland that, despite being small, regulates most of the body’s functions, but when it gets sick, it can cause serious health problems if we do not attend to it in time, for example, from heart diseases up to a cerebrovascular accident, to mention a few complications.

When is the thyroid operated without being for cancer?

There are several reasons why you can operate the thyroid without being for thyroid cancer, for example, a large goiter that causes problems breathing or swallowing, hyperthyroidism or thyroid nodules suspicious for cancer, describe specialists at the Mayo Clinic Medical Institute.

What is endoscopic thyroidectomy? Thyroid surgery that leaves no visible scar/ Photo: iStock

In exclusive interview for Salud180 with the Dr. Manuel Acuna Tovar, member of the Mexican Society of Oncology (SMeO), the Society of Surgical Oncology y American Thyroid Associationexplains us what is endoscopic thyroidectomy and how it could change our lives.

“The endoscopic thyroidectomy It’s about a minimally invasive procedure, is performed behind the lower lip, it takes about six to seven years from the first successful reports of this type of surgery. In Mexico, we are few surgeons who do it, I estimate that there must be about five surgeons who perform this type of procedure, since it requires a certain level of dexterity, patience and learning curve”, commented the Dr Acuna for Health180.

What is thyroidectomy?

The thyroidectomy It’s about the surgical removalof all or part of the thyroid glandwhich can be opened to make an incision in the center of the neck, transoral, the incision is made inside the mouth or endoscopicwhere a small video camera to guide the surgeon during the procedure.

What is endoscopic thyroidectomy? Thyroid surgery that leaves no visible scar/ Photo: iStock

Advantages of Endoscopic Thyroidectomy

According to Dr. Manuel Acunaone of the great advantages of endoscopic thyroidectomy is that the neck remains free of scars, unlike the traditional Surgery, This one gets to measure between 12 to 15 centimeters in length on the base of the neckbut also the following:

• Greater safety and precision when performing surgery: this technique provides a broad view into internal structures.
• Less postoperative pain: having smaller incisions reduces pain and the need to take analgesics.
• Faster Recovery Time – Requires less hospital stay time unlike traditional surgery.
• Lower risk of complications: Unlike traditional surgery, the risk of developing infections, bleeding, or nerve damage is reduced.
• Better aesthetics: by avoiding large scars, it improves the appearance of the neck.

What is endoscopic thyroidectomy? Thyroid surgery that leaves no visible scar/ Photo: iStock

“By performing this type of procedure through the mucosa of the oral cavity, unlike the skin, we only cut tissue, so this allows the healing process to be accelerated. A mucosa heals around three or four days after surgery. In addition to not leaving a visible scar, it improves the pain threshold and there is no discomfort. In three days, the patient can recover by 80 percent”, describes Dr. Acuña, a specialist in head and neck cancer surgery.

How risky is a thyroidectomy?

as in any surgical procedurethere may be some risks, in the case of a thyroidectomyDr. Acuña explains that by remove the thyroid The following risk factors may occur:

• Bleeding: Surgery can cause bleeding when a large part of the gland is removed. Also, there may be a risk of developing an infection without proper care.
• Shortness of breath: If the surgery affects the muscles, it can cause shortness of breath.
• Damage to the vocal cords: If the surgery affects the vocal cords, it can cause hoarseness or a weakness in the voice.
• Hypocalcemia: If the parathyroid glands are affected during surgery, low levels of calcium in the blood may occur.
• Hypothyroidism: in case of removing the entire gland, it is necessary to take hormone replacement therapy for life to keep the levels of thyroid hormones balanced.

What is endoscopic thyroidectomy? Thyroid surgery that leaves no visible scar/ Photo: iStock

Dr. Acuña explains that a thyroidectomy may involve risks, but in the case of endoscopic thyroidectomyse reduces the possibility of damaging the parathyroid glands, which lie behind the thyroid to regulate the blood calcium levels.

And damage to the parathyroid glands could cause hypoparathyroidismthat is, low levels in the production of this hormone, causing numbness, tingling or cramps due to the reduction of calcium in the blood.

“As in any surgery, much depends on the experience and patience of the surgeon to locate the parathyroid glands, practically, the technical difficulty that a thyroidectomy is to identify these two structures, the parathyroid glands and the laryngeal nerves. Here, we use a high-definition camera that undoubtedly helps us to see this type of tissue, yes or yes”, added Dr. Acuña.

What is endoscopic thyroidectomy? Thyroid surgery that leaves no visible scar/ Photo: iStock

How long does it take to recover from a thyroidectomy?

He how long it takes to recover from a thyroidectomy It will depend on several factors, including the type of surgical procedure performed, the amount of thyroid gland removed, post-operative care, and the patient’s general health.

When it comes to a endoscopic thyroidectomyDr. Acuña reveals that in less than a week, the patient should be completely recovered because the healing process it is faster.

Eye! when they show up thyroid problems that we do not attend to in time, can manifest itself through the following warning signs: tiredness, hair loss, dry skin, difficulty sleeping, nervousness, anxiety, sweating, changes in bowel habits, and even weight loss or gain.

What is endoscopic thyroidectomy? Thyroid surgery that leaves no visible scar/ Photo: iStock

Acting on time is essential to avoid health complicationslisten to your body if you already start with some warning signs. If you were interested in this information and wish to consult the Dr. Manuel Acuna Tovar, specialist in gynecology oncology, minimally invasive cancer surgery, head and neck cancer surgery, as well as colon cancer surgery. Write down his information well and do not hesitate to contact him.

Social and contact dDr. Manuel Acuna Tovar:

IG, FB y Twitter: @oncologicamx

E-mail: [e-mail] o [e-mail]

Web: https://oncologicamexico.com

CDMX Office: Tel. [phone]

Av. Ejército Nacional 613, Office 4 Room 19 (Oncology)/ Spanish Hospital. Col. Granada CP 11529

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