경구강 CO<SUB>2</SUB> 레이저로 절제한 비기능성 설갑상선 1예

A Case of Non-functioning Lingual Thyroid Excised with CO<SUB>2</SUB> Laser Via Transoral Approach

Lingual thyroid, characterized by presence of thyroid tissue at the base of the tongue in the region between the circumvallate papillae and the epiglottis, is the most common location for ectopic thyroid tissue. Excision of the lingual thyroid is rarely necessary. When a lingual thyroid becomes symptomatic, removal is advocated. Minimally invasive surgical techniques have been proposed for more than two decades. The use of CO<SUB>2</SUB> laser for removal of lingual thyroid offers advantages over traditional open approaches. We experienced a case of non-functioning lingual thyroid which caused dysphagia in the patient. We successfully excised it with CO<SUB>2</SUB> laser via transoral approach without any complications. (Ko</SUB>rean J Endocrine Surg 2012;12:28-30)