Global Health Asia-Pacific Issue 5 | 2022 Issue 5 | 2022 | Page 19

And because we are able to get better access to the tumour and remove it whole , the patient requires less radiation and chemotherapy . In some cases , with early stage cancers removed in their entirety , we don ’ t even need to put the patient through this toxic procedure at all .
Faster recovery with a better quality of life There are a host of benefits to the patient through these modern ENT surgical techniques :
• Better chance of survival
• Better quality of life with being able to eat and drink more normally
• Shorter treatment duration
• Lower treatment costs
• Avoidance of chemotherapy and radiation for stage 1 and 2 cancers if the whole cancer can be removed through surgery alone
Scarless procedures now possible for thyroid surgery
There are various situations when the thyroid , or a part of it , needs to be removed , such as when the gland produces excessive levels of hormone , if there are nodules suspicious for cancer or definite cancer , or if the thyroid has swollen to compress the airway in the form of a goitre .
We may need to perform a hemithyroidectomy – the removal of half the thyroid , or a total thyroidectomy – the removal of the entire thyroid gland . Sometimes for more extensive cancer , removal of lymph nodes around the thyroid may be necessary as well .
For nodules , as long as it ’ s safe , what we can now offer are scarless approaches by using an endoscope through the mouth , on the inside of the lip , through the armpit , or even behind the ear and into the hairline . So you are no longer left with a prominent scar in the front of the neck , and the need for special clothing or accessories to cover the scars .
Faster recovery times As the procedure is minimally invasive , you can expect to be :
• back home within 1 – 5 days ,
• eating and drinking by the first day ,
• resuming normal daily activities within a couple of days and
• back to work and exercise within 2 weeks .
Weighing the risks
As with any other surgery , thyroid surgery carries some risks , regardless of the approach , as there are various critical structures surrounding the gland , such as the recurrent laryngeal nerves , which control movement of the vocal cords .
Inadvertent injury to one side causes hoarseness , while injury to both may cause difficulty in breathing . However , in the hands of an experienced surgeon , the risk of nerve injury is very low , and even lower with robotic assistance . For example , the da Vinci robot ( a surgical system that enables surgeons to perform operations through small incisions ) provides a tenfold magnified view and very flexible instruments that help identify and preserve the nerves and parathyroid glands .
Bleeding in the thyroid area is particularly serious because it may result in airway compression , which is potentially life-threatening . Therefore , it is important to choose a good aftercare facility following surgery to make sure that if any complications arise , they are recognised early so immediate medical care can be given .
Choosing a surgeon
• Consult a surgeon with sufficient relevant experience who can minimise surgical risks and is able to handle more complex cases , including total thyroidectomy and removal of lymph nodes .
• Find out how many times they have performed the exact surgery you will be undergoing because surgeons who have limited or no experience in the procedure you need may not be aware of what is possible .
• Check that the surgeon has plenty of experience with endoscopy and robotic surgery .
This article was first published on Health Plus , an online health and wellness resource developed by IHH Healthcare Singapore .
For appointment bookings and enquiries ,
Contact our Central Patient Assistance Centre 24-hour hotline at ( 65 ) 735 5000 .
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