Isthmusectomy: The Un‐thyroidectomy

Abstract

Objective: Learn the indications, surgical technique, and role of isthmusectomy in the overall surgical management of thyroid disease. Method: Prospective observational case series in which 7 patients with lesions confined to the thyroid isthmus underwent isthmusectomy. Results: All of the patients successfully underwent isthmusectomy. There were no operative complications, and blood loss was minimal. In 6 patients benign pathology was found. The other patient had a papillary thyroid cancer and was converted to a total thyroidectomy at the same setting. None of the patients with benign disease required thyroid supplementation postoperatively. Conclusion: For lesions 3 cm and under, isthmusectomy is a safe alternative to lobectomy with isthmusectomy for lesions confined to the thyroid isthmus. The technique is straight forward and can be performed as an outpatient procedure. As the majority of the gland is preserved, postoperative thyroid supplementation is seldom required.