Which structure will be preserved during a total thyroidectomy?

During a total thyroidectomy, the goal is to remove the entire thyroid gland. However, careful surgical technique aims to preserve the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which is critical for vocal cord function. This nerve runs in close proximity to the thyroid gland, making it susceptible to injury during surgery. Preserving this nerve is essential as it ensures that the patient maintains their voice and airway function after surgery.

The other structures mentioned—thyroid gland, trachea, and esophagus—do not meet the criteria for preservation during this type of surgery. The thyroid gland is entirely removed in a total thyroidectomy, while the trachea and esophagus, although not removed, may be impacted but are not specifically preserved as an anatomical structure in the context of this surgical procedure. Effective surgical techniques focus on minimizing collateral damage to surrounding structures, with particular attention to the recurrent laryngeal nerve to preserve function.