Sutures and Wound Repair/ General Surgery (ABSA) Practice Test

What anatomical structure is typically compressed due to edema after a thyroidectomy?

1. Esophagus

2. Trachea

3. Larynx

4. Pharynx

The correct answer is: Trachea

The trachea is the anatomical structure that is typically compressed due to edema following a thyroidectomy. After the removal of thyroid tissue, inflammation can occur, leading to swelling in the surrounding area. This swelling can exert pressure on the trachea, which is located just below the thyroid gland in the neck. The trachea's close proximity to the thyroid makes it particularly susceptible to compression from edema. In thyroid surgery, especially procedures like total or subtotal thyroidectomy, the surgical manipulation and subsequent healing process can disrupt normal anatomical relationships, increasing the risk of interconnected edema. This can result in symptoms such as difficulty breathing or a sensation of tightness in the throat, which are indicative of tracheal compression. While other structures like the esophagus, larynx, and pharynx may also be in the vicinity and could potentially be affected, they are not typically the most directly impacted by edema in the context of a thyroidectomy. The trachea's anatomical and functional proximity to the thyroid gland makes it the primary structure impacted by postoperative swelling.