Techniques for thyroid cancer involving extreme superior thyroid pole

Standard operative techniques for thyroidectomy have become well refined and widely disseminated. However, special circumstances, such as superior pole thyroid cancers, can present unique difficulties for the unprepared surgeon. Appropriate workup and appreciation of the unique anatomic relationships in the superior-most extent of the thyroid gland is vital in surgical planning. The ability to anticipate and manage a variety of contingencies such as superior laryngeal nerve sacrifice, vascular isolation / repair, laryngectomy, and repair of pharyngeal defects are essential for safe surgery for cancers of the extreme superior thyroid pole.