Anatomy of thyroid gland Surgeon’s perspective

Thyroid surgery can give rise to complications if performed without adequate knowledge of anatomy. With adequate knowledge of its anatomy, its variations and optimal operative technique complications can be reduced. Structures that should be protected at all costs include the re-current laryngeal nerves, external branches of superior laryngeal nerves and parathyroid glands. Safe surgery involves meticulous hemostasis, and performing the dissection in a meticulous and step wise pattern. Thyroid gland if pulled medially will help in lateral dissection, securing middle thyroid vein (which may cause troublesome bleed in some patients as it is a branch from internal jugular vein). This also protects the recurrent laryngeal nerve from damage. Capsular dissection helps in protecting the recurrent laryngeal nerve and also protects the blood supply of parathyroid glands.