Changes in surgical anatomy following thyroidectomy.
Thyroid reoperation is known to carry a higher risk for complications because of the increased challenge of identifying tissue planes, presence of adherent strap muscles, and generalized scarring of the thyroid bed. Consideration of postsurgical changes in the anatomy of important landmarks, such as the recurrent and superior laryngeal nerves, brachiocephalic artery, and parathyroid glands, is crucial during preoperative planning for thyroid reoperations. This article provides a review of these key changes in surgical anatomy and the implications of the anatomic changes after thyroidectomy.
Richer
Sara L
SL
Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
Wenig
Barry L
BL
D016122:Brachiocephalic Trunk / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007823:Laryngeal Nerves / Q000601:surgery; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000601:surgery; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012009:Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve / Q000601:surgery; D012086:Reoperation; D013965:Thyroidectomy