Thyroid surgery: traps and ways out

A retrospective analysis was conducted of all thyroid operations performed at the ENT department in St. Gallen, Switzerland, between 1995 and 1997. Th e complications and technique of this surgery are outlined. In 79 patients 111 thyroid lobe resections were performed. No injury occurred to the super ior laryngeal nerve. One recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and one permanent hypocalcaemia were observed. No revision operations were required for haem atoma or infection, The different steps in the operative procedure, such as skin incision, handling of the strap muscles and identification of the par athyroid gland and superior laryngeal nerve, as well as the monitoring of t he recurrent laryngeal nerve, are discussed.