Endoscopic thyroid surgery uses specialized instruments to remove tumors or abnormalities in the thyroid gland. This method is widely adopted due to its effectiveness, minimal pain, rapid recovery, reduced damage to surrounding organs, and lower risk of recurrence.

During the procedure, surgeons insert endoscopic instruments through small incisions to access the thyroid. Using real-time camera images, they can fully visualize the thyroid and remove benign or malignant tumors.

Several endoscopic approaches exist for thyroid tumor removal: transoral, transaxillary, through a small incision near the nipple, or retroauricular (behind the ear) via a small incision. These methods prevent visible neck scars, minimize pain, and facilitate quick recovery.

Transoral endoscopic thyroid surgery is indicated for patients with papillary or follicular thyroid cancer without distant metastasis, or for benign thyroid tumors like cysts and small goiters. Other endoscopic approaches are suitable for benign thyroid nodules under 4 cm, or for papillary thyroid cancer without invasion.

Endoscopic thyroid surgery is contraindicated for patients with a history of head and neck surgery, prior head and neck radiation, or signs of invasion or lymph node metastasis beyond regional groups 6 and 7.

A surgeon performs transaxillary endoscopic surgery to remove a thyroid nodule. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

You should consult a doctor for a specific evaluation. If your thyroid nodule is entirely within the thyroid lobe, shows no signs of invasion or metastasis, and the lobe size is within acceptable standards, endoscopic surgery may be an option to avoid a long neck scar.

Following surgery, patients need to rest and avoid strenuous activity on the neck and chest for two weeks. They should maintain a nutritious diet, avoid alcohol, fatty foods, and smoking. Patients must limit heavy physical activities initially and seek medical attention if they experience pain or swelling at the incision site, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing.

Doctor Nguyen Anh Dung

Head of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery

Center for Thoracic and Vascular Surgery

Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM