Reducing Parathyroid Tissue Removal: Near-Infrared Autofluorescence in Thyroid Surgery

This study explored the impact of near-infrared autofluorescence imaging during thyroid surgery on the inadvertent removal of parathyroid tissue. Comparing patients who underwent total thyroidectomy with or without this imaging tool, the results showed a lower rate of accidental parathyroid tissue removal in the near-infrared autofluorescence group. The reduction was more significant when this technology was used for both identification and confirmation, particularly for early-career surgeons. This suggests that near-infrared autofluorescence can be valuable in decreasing the unintended removal of parathyroid tissue during thyroid surgery.