No More Neck Scars: NMC Doctor Masters Revolutionary Armpit-Entry Thyroid Surgery Technique

Advanced method leaves no unsightly neck scar, reduces operation and recovery time

Abu Dhabi. Sunday November 21st, 2016:  Patients requiring thyroid operations no longer need worry about invasive neck incisions, large scars and lengthy recovery times thanks to an incredible new technique mastered by a NMC Healthcare doctor.

Dr. Balaji Balasubramaniam, a consultant Surgical Oncologist at NMC Specialty Hospital Abu Dhabi, is the first doctor in the Abu Dhabi to adopt the endoscopic thyroidectomy, a technique which involves thyroid nodules being removed via an incision in the armpit. 

Thyroidectomies are traditionally carried out by making a large incision across the neck; an invasive procedure which leaves a large scar, which can be particularly traumatic for a patient.

Over the past eight weeks, Dr. Balaji has carried out 10 successful operations using the improved technique.

Commenting on the surgeries, Dr. Balaji said: “I am delighted that I can now offer our patients this revolutionary surgery, which no longer requires an incision to the neck. NMC’s adoption of this method is a huge paradigm shift for the treatment of thyroid problems, as it eradicates what is often the most worrying part of the surgery for a patient – the neck incision and residual scar.”

He continued: “Patients’ top request is always that I make the scar invisible, but in the past this was not possible. I am overjoyed that I can now make that dream a reality and look forward to offering more patients who are suffering with thyroid problems a simple surgery option which will leave them with no visible scarring.”

Other benefits of this fascinating new technique are that the patient is only required to stay in hospital for one day, and the recovery time is reduced from one week to between three and five days.

Mary Cris Bernola is one of the patients who Dr. Balaji operated on.

Commenting on her surgery and swift recovery, Ms. Bernola said: “I am so happy and proud of my thyroid surgery by NMC Specialty Hospital Abu Dhabi. They did such a great job. I am still young and I felt it was especially important that I did not have a neck scar. I thank God and Dr. Balaji for my successful operation.” 

The new procedure will gradually be adopted by more of NMC’s facilities, and used in every case possible, providing the thyroid is an appropriate size to be removed in this way.  

Commenting on the new technique, Dr B R Shetty, CEO and Executive Vice Chairman of NMC said: “Improving our patients’ experiences is the cornerstone of our ethos. The adoption by NMC Specialty Hospital, Abu Dhabi of this advanced endoscopic thyroidectomy technique is testament to this, and further confirms NMC’s commitment to provide the finest treatments and services and be a leading healthcare provider in the region.”