[Pitfalls of extracapsular thyroid surgery].

The usual landmarks of thyroid surgery are often altered with a goiter. The surrounding tissue may also be subject to variation. Different anomalies the surgeon may encounter are presented along with their management: the recurrent nerve, the external laryngeal nerve, the parathyroids and an intrathoracic goiter. Each case of thyroid surgery must be considered individually, and the ENT surgeon must devote particular attention to assure perfect postoperative vocal cord function.