8 Surgical Management of Benign Thyroid Diseases

Abstract

Thyroid surgery offers definitive treatment for benign thyroid disease with relatively low complication rates. Currently, most thyroid surgery is performed for glands suspicious for carcinoma; however, surgery for benign disease has become a more appealing option for patients as a result of minimally invasive techniques. These techniques can be safely applied for the treatment of benign thyroid disease, resulting in smaller postoperative scars and reduced postoperative pain compared with standard open methods. This chapter includes a detailed discussion of two different minimally invasive approaches for benign thyroid disease. The thyroid surgeon should have a close working relationship with the endocrinologist or primary care physician, as perioperative medical management is crucial to prevent complications. The management strategy for benign diseases, such as toxic solitary nodules, multinodular goiters, and Graves disease, should be decided by the patient in conjunction with all members of the treating medical team. Although nonsurgical treatment options are discussed briefly in this chapter, a detailed discussion of the medical management of benign thyroid disease can be found in Chapter 7.