Scarless Thyroidectomy and Parathyroidectomy

Traditional thyroidectomies and parathyroidectomies leave a visible scar in the middle of the neck. But, advancements in endocrine surgery at Johns Hopkins allow our surgeons to provide a scarless alternative to this procedure. In a scarless thyroidectomy, or scarless parathyroidectomy, the surgeon accesses the gland(s) through the patient’s mouth (called a “transoral” approach.)


Transoral 'Scarless' Thyroid Surgery Animation

Watch an animation of transoral "scarless' robotic surgery to learn how it can be used as an alternative to traditional thyroid surgery - leaving patients without a visible neck scar.

Why Choose Johns Hopkins for a Scarless Thyroidectomy or Parathyroidectomy?

Patients seeking surgical removal of their thyroid or parathyroid can take comfort knowing Johns Hopkins is the leading scarless thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy center in the United States, completing hundreds of these cases since 2016. Johns Hopkins was also the first hospital to offer a robotic option for scarless thyroidectomy, including utilization of the new Single Port robot.

Am I a Candidate for a Scarless Thyroidectomy or Parathyroidectomy?

Candidates for this procedure may include patients diagnosed with:

Additional screening may be required to determine candidacy. Consult with one of our surgeons for more information. 

Comparing Results of Traditional Thyroidectomy and a Scarless Thyroidectomy 

Patients can take comfort knowing their surgery won't leave a lasting mark. This can be especially important to those concerned that a surgical scar may be accompanied by a lifetime of burdensome questions. 

Thyroid and Parathyroid Specialists

  • Jonathon Russell, M.D.

    • Chief of the Division of Head and Neck Endocrine Surgery
    • Director of the Johns Hopkins Multidisciplinary Thyroid Tumor Center
    • Director of Endoscopic and Robotic Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery
    • Associate Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

    Expertise: Otolaryngology, Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery

  • Kaitlyn Frazier, M.D.

    • Assistant of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

    Expertise: Benign Thyroid Disorders, Follicular Thyroid Cancer, Graves' Disease, Hyperparathyroidism, Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC)

Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive  Cancer Center

Multidisciplinary Approach

The Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery works with the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center in a multidisciplinary approach to ensure the highest quality patient care and innovative research.

Learn more about the multidisciplinary head and neck cancer team at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center.