Scar-free neck after thyroid surgery is no longer just a dream for UAE residents
Fatima (name changed) had been struggling with a lump in her neck for about three weeks before she finally saw a doctor. She could also feel the change in her voice due to the lump that had increased in size over a period of time.
On detailed evaluation she was found to have complex cystic nodule (fluid containing sacs) in the right lobe of the thyroid gland measuring about 2.5 cm. The thyroid gland is the one responsible for the growth and development of an individual.
She was detailed for an operative procedure but Fatima’s main concern was the scar on the neck which presumably the conventional surgical technique would have left her with.
This is when said Dr. B Balaji, consultant surgical oncology at NMC Speciality Hospital, Abu Dhabi discussed a novel technique of scar-less key hole-surgery, to be done for the first time in Abu Dhabi.
Fatima agreed and underwent Transaxillary Endoscopic right side lobectomy or in simpler words — removal of the right side part of her thyroid gland through a pin hole access made through her arm pit . Fatima recovered well and got back her normal voice after the surgery. She was discharged the next day.
This was the first time this kind of surgery was performed, though the technique of endoscopic thyroidectomy has been evolving in the last few years worldwide.
“The aim of the surgery is to have thyroidectomy without a scar visible on neck. Scars in the lower neck area can be aesthetically poor especially in women patients. Many do not undergo the operations despite the pain and swelling in the neck region,” said Dr B Balaji.
This is also called remote access thyroid surgery and ever since the first patient, Dr Balaji and his team have done 25 such surgeries with satisfactory results. “This procedure can be performed safely and scar-less neck thyroid surgery is no more a dream in the UAE,” adds Dr. Balaji.
A grateful Fatima said: “I am extremely thankful to NMC and Dr Balaji. After suffering for over three months I was able to find relief. I thank God everyday for guiding me to NMC, since very few health care facilities have the necessary expertise on such techniques.”
The scars in the lower neck area can be aesthetically poor, especially in women patients, as many don’t undergo the procedures despite the pain and swelling in neck region.” Dr B Balaji, consultant surgical oncology, NMC Speciality Hospital, Abu Dhabi
After suffering for over three months I was able to find relief. I thank God everyday for guiding me to NMC, since very few health care facilities have the necessary expertise on such techniques.” Fatima, scar-less surgery patient