Loupe-Assisted Thyroidectomy; Experience from Low Volume Centres

Background Thyroidectomy is an intricate surgery where nerve injury can cause significant morbidity. The use of magnification has revolutionised the modern-day otolaryngology practice. Its utility is now the standard of care for many ENT surgeries. Surgical loupes in Head and Neck surgery are emerging as a single important tool in reducing complications and improving precision. This retrospective study aimed to analyse the results of complications in thyroidectomy whilst using the loupes. Methods A retrospective study was conducted for 6 years. All the loupe-assisted thyroidectomies done by two surgeons were included in the study. All surgeries were performed with 2.5 X and some with 3.5 X magnification loupes. The incidence of voice change, hypocalcaemia, and secondary haemorrhage after thyroidectomy were noted. Results 80 thyroidectomies were included, 39 were total thyroidectomies and the remaining were hemithyroidectomies. The age group was between 25 and 65 years. The mean stay in the hospital was approximately 2 days. Three patients had recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, and 3 patients had transient hypocalcaemia which required calcium and magnesium supplementation. All the patients were operated with an intent to save the nerves and parathyroid glands. Conclusions The use of microsurgical techniques during thyroidectomy should be the standard of care as it reduces morbidity and minimises nerve injury.