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Transposition of a lingual thyroid to the submandibular space using a modified technique
Tingwei Bao1, Huiming Wang, Dong Wei
1Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|November 22, 2012
Summary
This study presents a novel surgical technique for transplanting ectopic lingual thyroid tissue to the submandibular space. The modified procedure successfully preserved thyroid function and relieved obstructive symptoms in a patient.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Ectopic lingual thyroid tissue can cause progressive dysphagia and dyspnea.
- Surgical resection is often required, necessitating lifelong thyroxine replacement.
Observation:
- A 52-year-old woman presented with obstructive symptoms due to a lingual thyroid.
- A modified surgical technique involved transplanting the ectopic thyroid to the submandibular region via a lateral pharyngeal approach.
Findings:
- The transplanted thyroid gland survived for 12 months with preserved thyroid function.
- The surgical approach provided a vascular supply via a random muscle pedicle.
Implications:
- This technique offers an alternative to resection for lingual thyroid anomalies.
- Transplantation preserves thyroid function, avoiding the need for hormone replacement therapy.
