5. The Surgical Process: From Incision to Closure
The process of thyroidectomy is a meticulously planned surgical dance, executed with utmost precision. Every step, from the initial incision to the final suturing, has its unique place in the surgery’s chronology.
The initial step involves the anesthesiologist administering general anesthesia, sending the patient into a deep, painless sleep. The surgical team then positions the patient’s neck slightly extended to better expose the thyroid region for surgery. Sterile drapes are applied around the neck area, maintaining a clean operating field.
The surgeon then makes an incision in the front of the neck. The cut is typically horizontal and is made in the skin crease for better cosmetic outcomes. The length and location of the incision depend on the underlying condition and the surgeon’s preference.
Once the incision is made, the surgeon delicately separates the muscles and other structures to expose the thyroid gland. This step is crucial and requires surgical finesse, as avoiding injury to surrounding structures, such as nerves and blood vessels, is paramount.
The surgeon then proceeds to remove the thyroid gland or a part of it, depending on the disease severity and the type of thyroidectomy planned. For cancer cases, nearby lymph nodes might also be removed. Throughout the process, careful hemostasis, or control of bleeding, is maintained.
The final part of the surgical process involves closing the incision. The surgeon places sutures or staples to close the skin, often leaving behind a drain to prevent fluid accumulation in the surgical area. The procedure concludes with the placement of a sterile dressing over the wound, marking the end of the thyroidectomy. (5)
