Pediatric Thyroidectomy & Parathyroidectomy
Thyroid and parathyroid surgery become necessary for a variety of reasons. From a surgical standpoint, safely performing these procedures depends on clear visualization of nearby nerves and glands. For the past century, this has involved the creation of a large incision.
Using advanced techniques and instrumentation, it is now possible to perform these procedures endoscopically, minimizing or eliminating visible incisions, recovery time, and post-operative pain.
Dr. Wright and his team have developed and refined these techniques and have the most experience with this type of surgery in the nation and the Western Hemisphere. Most thyroid and parathyroid surgeries are suitable for either a totally endoscopic or video-assisted “mini-incision” approach.
Pediatric Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery. For children, the benefits of MIS are strongly relevant. The most common indication for thyroid surgery among children is Graves Disease; typically, the gland is greatly enlarged and requires a correspondingly generous incision when performed in a conventional open technique. Corresponding recovery and post-operative discomfort are increased.
With totally endoscopic approaches, the gland is removed using “laparoscopic” techniques through tiny puncture sites in the underarm region; these are closed with skin glue. Sophisticated training and instrumentation has made this possible. At present Dr. Wright and his team are the only surgeons in North America offering this “scarless” approach.
For pediatric thyroid or parathyroid surgery, totally endoscopic “scarless” minimally invasive surgery is an option. The majority of Dr. Wright’s totally endoscopic cases are pediatric and adolescent age children. In this age group with this approach, the recovery is dramatically diminished with very little post-op discomfort. Most children are discharged with the need for prescription pain medication and can return to normal activity within a few days.
Pediatric Thyroidectomy
In some cases, thyroid surgery is indicated in children. This is most commonly performed for the management of Graves Disease, a form of hyperthyroidism. In the case of children, less invasive surgical options are available, including a totally endoscopic approach which greatly decreases post-operative pain and shortens recovery time. This surgical technique avoids any incision on the neck. Instead, tiny incisions are made in the underarm, and the gland is removed using laparoscopic techniques. Most patients require no post-operative prescription pain killers. Dr. Wright, working with his minimally invasive colleague, Dr. Thom Lobe, has the largest experience in the hemisphere with these procedures.
Pediatric Parathyroidectomy
In some cases, parathyroid surgery is indicated in children. In the case of children, less invasive surgical options are available, including a totally endoscopic approach which greatly decreases post-operative pain and shortens recovery time. This surgical technique avoids any incision on the neck. Instead, tiny incisions are made in the underarm, and the gland is removed using laparoscopic techniques. Most patients require no post-operative prescription pain killers. Dr. Wright, working with his minimally invasive colleague, Dr. Thom Lobe, has the largest experience in the hemisphere with these procedures.
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