Abstract
This study aimed to investigate changes in the tracheal mucosa after thyroidectomy, that can be a cause of post-thyroidectomy discomfort. Forty rats were divided into normal controls and 3 surgical groups: (i) thyroid isthmectomy with cauterization, (ii) isthmectomy by a cold instrument without hemostasis, and (iii) sham (exposure of the trachea and thyroid gland without thyroidectomy by dissection through pretracheal fascia). Animals were euthanized at 1 and 4 weeks. Mucosal edema and glandular hyperplasia were measured. Mucin production and basal cell activities were evaluated by mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) and keratin 5 (KRT5) using immunofluorescence staining. Larger mucosal areas were observed in all surgical groups at 1 and 4 weeks. More submucosal glandular hyperplasia was noted in the group with isthmectomy without hemostasis. MUC5AC and KRT5 expressions were significantly higher in the surgical groups. The tracheal mucosa may change after surgery, which could explain postoperative discomfort after thyroidectomy.
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