Endoscopic thyroidectomy is also called Minimally Invasive Video-Assisted Thyroidectomy. It is a new surgical technique which allows the surgeon to perform thyroid surgery through a small skin incision. In endoscopic thyroidectomy, very small incisions are made in the axilla. A video camera helps in providing magnified vision of the structures and comfortable dissection. This technique via the axilla helps even removing large thyroid nodules and even helps perform total thyroidectomy.
The benefit of this procedure is that this is a minimally invasive approach (ie., the surgery is performed through a keyhole incision). Other benefits include safety and precision. That is the video camera inserted through the keyhole incision provides a magnified view of the internal structures. Thus the surgeon can perform the endoscopic thyroid surgery by viewing a magnified view of the internal structures on a computer monitor. This increases safety and the surgeon performs the surgery with precision. The greatest benefit is that the neck remains free of scar as the thyroidectomy is performed endoscopically via incisions made at the axilla. The smallest of scars produced are hidden beneath the inner clothes at the axilla. This is a great cosmetic advantage.
Endoscopic Thyroidectomy via Axilla
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Thyroid abnormalities are common among women. As per American Thyroid Association , approximately 90% of all thyroid nodules are benign. Ultrasound of the neck or if needed FNAC (fine-needle aspiration cytology) is used in patients diagnosed with single or multiple thyroid nodules. If malignancy is suspected as per the ultrasound report or the FNAC, then surgery is the advised solution regardless of the size of the swelling. Thyroidectomy is recommended for nodules larger than 4 cm even if the USG and FNAC suggest benign swelling. Depending on the patient history, physical examination as well as the USG and FNAC findings, the surgeon may decide to offer a hemithyroidectomy or total thyroidectomy in consultation with the patient.
