The Technique of Operations on the Thyroid Gland.

THE preliminary stages for exposure of the thyroid gland are the same for all operations. The actual procedure on the gland itself depends on the disease for which the operation is undertaken, and the condition found when the gland is exposed. I shall therefore describe the technique I usually employ, under the following headings: A. Preliminary steps and exposure of the gland. B. Types of resection. (i) Resection-enucleation. (2) Hemi-thyroidectomy-usually for large goitres causing dyspnoea. (3) Resection for exophthalmic goitre. (4) Removal of intrathoracic goitre. C. Closure of the wound. D. Several remarks on technique.