Total Thyroidectomy with Level VI and VII Neck Dissection

The thyroid gland lies within the central neck. It has a rich blood and lymphatic supply derived from its surrounding anatomical region and is surrounded by critical anatomical structures including the carotid arteries, recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN), as well as the laryngotracheal complex and oesophagus. As such, surgeons involved in the management of thyroid cancer should understand the indications for surgical intervention, the techniques required to achieve safe and effective surgery and the outcomes of procedures that involve removal of the thyroid gland and its surrounding lymphatics without damage to these critical structures.