Hemithyroidectomy, or unilateral thyroid lobectomy, refers to removal of half the thyroid gland. The procedure is typically performed for suspicious thyroid nodules or small differentiated thyroid cancers based on biopsy via fine needle aspiration (FNA) and occasionally for symptomatic benign thyroid nodules.
At most institutions the operation can be completed safely in an outpatient fashion with patient discharge from the hospital the same day. It is typically performed via a transcervical collar incision, but endoscopic, transoral routes and remote access approach with robotic instrumentation have been described. The procedure involves mobilization of the thyroid lobe, ligation of thyroid vessels, preservation of parathyroids, protection of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, and dissection away from the trachea. In this patient, a thyroid nodule was detected and found to have indeterminate features on biopsy via FNA. A hemithyroidectomy was then performed for diagnostic purposes.
Radical neck dissection was once the standard of care for the surgical management of patients with thyroid cancer and cervical lymph node metastases. However, due to the significant morbidity of this procedure, the development of cervical lymphadenectomy procedures that could provide oncologic cure while minimizing morbidity was undertaken by many surgeons. Such an investigation has led to the development of the modified radical neck dissection (MRND). Still, many institutions are not familiar with performing a comprehensive MRND in the setting of thyroid cancer metastatic to the lateral lymph node compartments. This article presents such an operation under general anesthesia.
Thyroidectomy (Cadaver) Kristen L. Zayan, BS1; Adam Honeybrook, MBBS2; C. Scott Brown, MD2; Daniel J. Rocke MD, JD2 1University of Miami Miller School of Medicine 2Duke University Medical Center
Thyroidectomy may be performed for various pathologies, consisting of either thyroid lobectomy or total gland removal. Both benign and malignant disease processes necessitate surgical intervention. Thyroid nodules, compressive thyroid goiter, or persistent thyrotoxicosis represent some of the benign indications. Malignant conditions affecting the thyroid include papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic carcinomas. In the present case, a thyroidectomy via standard cervical incision is performed on a cadaver with overlying animations to emphasize the key anatomy. The discussion is in relation to a patient with obstructive goiter presenting with worsening wheezing, cough, and dysphagia, with the ultimate goal of relieving the compressive symptoms through the removal of the gland.
Revision canal wall down (CWD) mastoidectomy with mastoid obliteration is most often performed to manage persistent otorrhea and debris accumulation in the mastoid bowl following CWD mastoidectomy. In this case, obliteration is performed for persistent otorrhea from the mastoid bowl and revision CWD mastoidectomy is completed to address a new retraction pocket following a prior CWD mastoidectomy for chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma in a 23-year old male.
There have been numerous reported techniques used for mastoid obliteration, and in this case, a posterior periosteal flap is made, and the mastoid cavity is filled with autogenous bone paté. Following obliteration of the mastoid, a perichondrial graft is used to cover the area. In this case, a titanium total ossicular reconstruction prosthesis is used to rebuild the ossicular chain, and a second perichondrial graft is used to reconstruct the tympanic membrane. The canal is packed with Gelfoam to secure the fascial grafts in place. Postoperatively, patients are typically advised to remove their head dressing 24 hours following the surgery and to apply a topical antibiotic ointment daily to a cotton ball in the ear.
DCR and Nasolacrimal System (Cadaver) Prithwijit Roychowdhury, BS1; C. Scott Brown, MD2; Matthew D. Ellison, MD2 1University of Massachusetts Medical School 2 Department of Otolaryngology, Duke University
Nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NDO) is the most common disorder of the lacrimal system that affects patients of every age and results in excessive tearing (epiphora) and if untreated, painful infection (dacryocystitis). When NDO symptoms progress and can no longer be managed with conservative measures, endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is indicated.
In this case, DCR exploration of the nasolacrimal anatomy is performed on a cadaver. The typical presentation of NDO is epiphora but the presence of painful swelling of the medial canthus and mucoid or purulent discharge may indicate the presence of dacryocystitis. The approach presented here involves the creation of a mucosal flap and subsequent use of the DCR drill to expose the nasolacrimal duct anatomy.
The application of minimally-invasive approaches in otologic surgery, including the management of middle ear tumors like glomus tympanicum tumors, represents a promising advancement in the field, potentially improving surgical outcomes and patient recovery. In this article, a patient with pulsatile tinnitus is found to have a glomus tympanicum tumor of the right ear. Calhoun Cunningham III, MD performs a transcanal resection of the mass using the KTP laser.
Parotid dissection is a delicate surgical procedure that requires a deep understanding of the relevant anatomy and a careful approach to ensure the preservation of critical structures, particularly the facial nerve. The comprehensive overview provided in this video is a valuable resource for understanding the step-by-step process of parotid dissection. The detailed narration and visual references help to reinforce the importance of accurate identification and preservation of the facial nerve, as well as the other key anatomical structures involved in the procedure. This information is crucial for surgeons in training, as well as for experienced practitioners, to ensure the safe and effective removal of parotid gland tumors while minimizing the risk of complications.
This cadaveric study aims to provide a detailed overview of the key steps involved in the dissection of the frontal sinus, including the identification of anatomical landmarks, performing of Draf I, II-A, II-B, and III procedures, and the preservation of mucosal structures. The meticulous identification and preservation of crucial anatomical landmarks, such as the frontal sinus outflow tract, the agger nasi, and the vertical lamella of the middle turbinate, are essential for avoiding complications, including injury to the AEA or inadvertent penetration of the cribriform plate.
By familiarizing themselves with the step-by-step approach outlined in this text and the accompanying video, surgeons can enhance their technical proficiency and improve patient outcomes in the management of frontal sinus-related conditions. For medical students and trainees, this video offers an invaluable learning opportunity to develop a deep understanding of frontal sinus anatomy and the nuances of endoscopic dissection techniques. By using this knowledge, healthcare professionals can enhance their surgical skills, improve patient care, and contribute to the advancement of the field of endoscopic sinus surgery.
Tympanoplasty (Revision) C. Scott Brown, MD1; Alex J. Carsel2; Calhoun D. Cunningham III, MD1 1Duke University Medical Center 2University of Toledo College of Medicine
The tympanic membrane (eardrum) acts as a protective barrier between the middle and external ear, guarding the middle ear against infection. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in hearing by facilitating impedance matching between the air in the external canal and the fluid in the inner ear. Disruption of the tympanic membrane can lead to hearing loss, recurrent infections, and ear drainage. Common etiologies of perforations include infection and trauma. When perforations persist and cause symptomatic hearing loss or recurrent infections, surgical repair by an otolaryngologist becomes necessary. Although primary tympanoplasty has high success rates (75–95%), failures can complicate subsequent repair attempts. This case study presents a 61-year-old female who underwent two prior tympanoplasties without success. Dr. Cunningham demonstrates intraoperative decision-making and surgical techniques for repair in challenging cases.
The ethmoid arteries, comprising the anterior and posterior branches, are integral vascular structures that hold immense significance in the realm of sinus and skull base surgery. Originating from the third segment of the ophthalmic artery, these arteries traverse through the medial orbit before passing through the respective ethmoidal canals and entering the ethmoid air cells. Understanding the anatomical significance and clinical implications of the anterior and posterior ethmoid arteries is paramount in ensuring safe and effective management of sinus pathologies and associated complications. Accurate preoperative assessment, appropriate surgical techniques, and a thorough knowledge of these vascular structures are essential for optimizing patient outcomes and minimizing the risk of adverse events during surgical interventions.
