The steps and key points of thyroid surgery with lateral cervical incision.

The thyroid surgery with lateral cervical incision uses the sternocleidomastoid intermuscular approach through the gap between band muscles and carotid sheath to reach the surgical field. The recurrent laryngeal nerve and upper and lower parathyroid glands are first identified, the upper pole vessels are severed; then the Berry ligament is separated; the isthmus is severed, and the thyroid gland is finally removed. This approach can avoid the trauma of the skin and muscle tissue in the anterior neck region, to relieve the pressure on the neck and swallowing stretch feeling for patients after surgery. The surgical modality is effective and less time-consuming. This article gives a detailed introduction to the standardized procedures and some key points of thyroid surgery with lateral cervical incision.