Topographic Anatomy of the Vascular Bundle of the Neck After Thyroidectomy

The article describes changes in the topographic anatomy of the common carotid arteries and internal jugular veins after thyroidectomy.

The aim of the study was to describe changes in the anatomy and topography of the vascular bundle of the medial triangle of the neck after thyroidectomy.

Material and methods. The study included a comprehensive MRI analysis of the neck in 74 patients with thyroid disease and concomitant cervical compression syndrome. Mean age: 37.4±9.2 years. Mean thyroid volume: 109±11 cm3. The tomograms were evaluated before thyroidectomy and at 2, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The dimensional parameters of the vessels of the medial triangle of the neck and their displacement relative to selected reference lines were studied.

Results. Evaluation of preoperative neck tomograms showed that the topography of the right and left vascular bundles was consistent with normal neck anatomy. This can be attributed to the predominantly anterior expansion of the enlarged thyroid gland. Post-thyroidectomy axial tomograms revealed anteromedial displacement of the common carotid arteries, with no change in their shape or diameter. In the late postoperative period, the internal jugular veins migrated anteriorly and laterally; notably, the diameter of the left internal jugular vein increased twofold.

Conclusion. The described post-thyroidectomy vascular displacements in the neck hold fundamental significance. These data must be considered during revision surgery of the thyroid gland and cervical organs. Furthermore, they may provide a foundation for functional investigations in the postoperative period.

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