Scarless Thyroid Surgery

Hyperthyroidism caused by iodine deficiency and thyroid gland disorders which results in abnormal growth of the thyroid gland is common in Thailand.

What is the parathyroid gland?

The parathyroid gland is an essential endocrine gland; it is normally the size of a green bean. There are two parathyroid glands located on the rear side of the thyroid gland. Therefore, there are altogether 4 parathyroid glands. These parathyroid glands produce and secrete “parathormone” (PTH) or parathyroid hormone, which is an 84 amino acid peptide. Parathormone functioning with vitamin C, vitamin D and calcithonin from the thyroid gland help balance calcium and phosphorus in blood and tissues.

Hyperthyroidism treatment

The treatment usually begins with taking hormone pills to suppress the functioning of the thyroid gland and to prevent further growth of thyroid tissue. However, it always ends up with surgery to remove thyroid nodules that locate in one lobe or both lobes of the thyroid gland. The surgery is performed in order to prevent thyroid glands from being cancerous or continued growth until the patients are unable to eat or have difficulty breathing. In some cases, it is for the appearance of the patients themselves. Currently, there are many types of thyroid surgeries. Open surgery is one of them and it has been performed from the past until now. Transverse collar incision is made to cut the whole thyroid gland along with lymph node removal. Obviously, this open surgery leaves scars at the neck which is normally uncovered by clothing and some patients are not happy with their scars.

Scarless surgery technique 

Now the technique of laparoscopic surgery using transoral approach has been developed. This type of surgery leaves no scar on the skin since the size of incision between bottom gum and lower lip is very small at 0.5 to 1 cm only. The operation starts from inserting equipment to cut that area and remove thyroid gland out through the mouth. Later, surgical wound will be closed using dissolvable sutures. In addition, because oral cavity has a lot of blood vessels, the wound can recover faster and no scar or fibrosis occurs.

Scarless Thyroid Surgery using transoral approach offers a lot of advantages. Firstly, it can be performed on both sides of the thyroid gland without making additional incision. Besides, it makes surgeon easily see and well keep recurrent laryngeal nerves of the larynx. Secondly, after the surgery, voice of the patient seems not to be hoarse. Thirdly and most importantly, the patient has very little blood loss at 10-20 cc only during the operation. This type of surgery causes less pain to the patients and a few days after the operation, they feel no more pain. The patient can even eat as usual and does not experience skin numbness between the chin and thyroid gland area.

Scarless Thyroid Surgery using transoral approach is a suitable choice for those who do not want scars on their skin. In addition to scar-free advantage that does not make patients feel awkward, this type of surgery can significantly improve the quality of life of Hyperthyroidism patients and increase their self-confidence almost 100%. It can be performed easily and takes less time” Dr. Angkoon Anuwong, expert Surgeon in the field of thyroid surgery, Phyathai 2 Hospital said.

Dr. Angkoon Anuwong

General Surgeon, Laparoscopic Surgery, Thyroid Surgery

Phyathai 2 Hospital