How to minimize complications in thyroid surgery?
BACKGROUND
In ancient times, operations on the thyroid gland caused unacceptable morbidity and mortality. Only after the landmark work of Kocher, the technical principles of thyroidectomy were solidly established, and are still valid nowadays.


METHODS
Revision article on practical suggestions to decrease morbidity associated with thyroidectomy, as well as warning against common pitfalls that the surgeon may encounter.


RESULTS
The following subjects are objectively addressed: how to manage upper airway obstruction, how to avoid non-esthetic scars and how to recognize the most prevalent anatomic variations concerning the recurrent nerve, the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve and the parathyroid glands, in order to decrease operative morbidity.


CONCLUSIONS
The Head and Neck Surgeon must be fully aware of the complex anatomy of the central visceral compartment of the neck, as well as must be prepared to handle some complications of thyroidectomy that can be life-threatening.
Cernea
Claudio R
CR
Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil. cerneamd@uol.com.br
Brandão
Lenine G
LG
Hojaij
Flávio C
FC
De Carlucci
Dorival
D
Montenegro
Fábio L M
FL
Plopper
Caio
C
Vanderlei
Felipe
F
Gotoda
Renato
R
Dias
Fernando L
FL
Lima
Roberto A
RA
D006801:Humans; D007011:Hypoparathyroidism / Q000517:prevention & control; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D061224:Laryngeal Nerve Injuries; D010280:Parathyroid Glands / Q000293:injuries; D061226:Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries; D013959:Thyroid Diseases / Q000601:surgery*