[Thyroid surgery: traps and preventing complications]

A retrospective analysis was conducted of all thyroid operations performed at the ENT department in St. Gallen, Switzerland, between 1995 and 1997. The complications and technique of this surgery are outlined. In 79 patients 111 thyroid lobe resections were performed. No injury occurred to the superior laryngeal nerve. One recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and one permanent hypocalcaemia were observed. No revision operations were required for haematoma or infection. The different steps in the operative procedure, such as skin incision, handling of the strap muscles and identification of the parathyroid gland and superior laryngeal nerve, as well as the monitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, are discussed.