ABSTRACT
This chapter describes standard thyroid lobectomy using lateral capsular dissection, which can be modified to total thyroidectomy by repeating the procedure on the opposite lobe of thyroid and removing the gland in continuity or individually by dividing the isthmus. In addition, it also describes minimally invasive open approach parathyroidectomy; however, there are other surgical techniques such as endoscopic, video-assisted or robotic surgery for both procedures. The chapter provides a brief description of the removal of a thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC). The thyroid gland is a horseshoe or butterfly shaped structure located in the central neck, anterior to the trachea to which it is attached firmly by condensation of investing fascia known as the suspensory ligament of Berry. Once the superior pole of the thyroid is released, with medical and superior digital retraction of the thyroid, capsular dissection continues at the middle and inferior aspect of the thyroid.
