Thyroid Nexus

The Thyroid Nexus – First Chapter CME was successfully conducted on 09th February 2025, bringing together 69 delegates and expert faculty members from leading institutions. The event provided an excellent platform for discussions on thyroid pathology, surgical advancements, and innovative treatment approaches.

Scientific Sessions & Key Highlights

1. Inside the Tumor: A Pathologist’s View of Thyroid Cancers

  • Faculty: Dr. Smita N. V (Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences)
  • Chair: Dr. Dona Maria George (Smita Memorial)
  • Highlights: The session provided microscopic insights into various thyroid malignancies, emphasizing the importance of histopathological classification in guiding treatment decisions, and the latest updates on Bethesda system.

2. Approach to Thyroid Nodules

  • Faculty: Dr. Divya G M (GMC, Kannur)
  • Chair: Dr. Nigil Sreedharan (GMC, Calicut)
  • Highlights: Discussed the risk stratification of thyroid nodules, the role of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), and the latest ATA (American Thyroid Association) guidelines for evaluation.

3. Management of Differentiated Thyroid Cancers

  • Faculty: Dr. Sajith Babu T.P (Aster MIMS, Calicut)
  • Chair: Dr. Rahim T A (Sanjoe Perumbavoor)
  • Highlights: Covered the surgical decision making, the role of TSH suppression therapy, and the importance of long-term follow-up.

4. Management of Medullary Carcinoma Thyroid

  • Faculty: Dr. Sandeep Suresh (Lisie Cancer Centre, Kochi)
  • Chair: Dr. Karunya R Gopal (VPS Lakeshore, Kochi)
  • Highlights: Focused on the genetic implications (RET proto-oncogene mutations), importance of calcitonin & CEA markers, and the role of systemic therapy in advanced cases.

5. Management of Anaplastic/Poorly Differentiated Carcinoma Thyroid

  • Faculty: Dr. Judith Aaron (Caritas Hospital, Kottayam)
  • Chair: Dr. Nasneen P (Smita Memorial)
  • Highlights: Stressed the aggressive nature of these cancers, the limited role of surgery, and the emerging targeted therapies & immunotherapy options.

6. Management of Locally Advanced Carcinoma Thyroid

  • Faculty: Dr. Adarsh Anand (St. Gregorios Medical Mission Hospital, Parumala)
  • Chair: Dr. Naveen Kodiyan (Rajagiri Hospital, Kochi)
  • Highlights: Emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary tumor board discussions, use of preoperative embolization, and extended resection techniques for better outcomes.

7. Role of Nuclear Medicine in Thyroid Management

  • Faculty: Dr. Vijay Harish (Rajagiri Hospital, Kochi)
  • Chair: Dr. Davis Thomas Pulimoottil (Al Azhar Medical College)
  • Highlights: Explained the indications for radioactive iodine therapy (RAI), patient selection criteria, and post-treatment monitoring using whole-body scans.

8. Recent Adjuncts – Robotic Thyroidectomy, IONM & Fluorescence in Thyroid Surgery

  • Faculty: Dr. Shawn T. Joseph (VPS Lakeshore)
  • Chair: Dr. Febin (IQRAA Hospital, Calicut)
  • Highlights: Discussed the role of Intraoperative Nerve Monitoring (IONM) in preserving recurrent laryngeal nerve function, reducing post-op voice complications. Fluorescence imaging techniques for better parathyroid gland identification, minimizing post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia. Transoral Robotic Thyroidectomy (TORT): Explained how robotic-assisted surgery enhances precision and visualization, reduces scarring, and allows for a minimally invasive, scarless approach to thyroid surgery.

9. Thyroidectomy Video Demonstration

  • Faculty: Dr. Sanu P Moideen (Smita Memorial Hospital)
  • Chair: Dr. Muhammed Shereef (Aster MIMS Kottakkal)
  • Highlights: Live demonstration of step-by-step thyroidectomy techniques, including nerve identification, vessel ligation, and parathyroid preservation strategies. Demonstrated central and lateral (backdoor) approaches in thyroidectomy.

10. Central Compartment Neck Dissection (CCND) – Talk & Video

  • Faculty: Dr. Ameen Sunais A P (Muthoot Hospital)
  • Chair: Dr. Akhil Vijayan (Smita Memorial)
  • Highlights: Covered the indications, extent, and techniques of CCND, highlighting oncologic safety and strategies to minimize hypoparathyroidism and nerve injury.

11. Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach (TOETVA)

  • Faculty: Dr. Chaitanya Mopuri Reddy (Smita Memorial Hospital)
  • Chair: Dr. Madhusudhan M.S (Nirmala Hospital, Muvattupuzha)
  • Highlights: Demonstrated the scarless thyroidectomy technique, advantages over conventional surgery, and patient selection criteria.

12. Panel Discussion on Complex Thyroid Cases

  • Moderated by: Dr. Sisha Liz Abraham (Cochin Cancer Centre)
  • Panelists: Dr. Nazneen, Dr. Judith, Dr. Nithin, Dr. Shawn, Dr. Adarsh, Dr. Divya, Dr. Smita
  • Highlights: Engaging case-based discussion covering challenging thyroid surgeries, post-operative complications, and individualized treatment approaches.

Impact & Benefits of the CME

  • Comprehensive learning on thyroid disorders from diagnosis to advanced surgical interventions.
  • Interactive video sessions & surgical demonstrations enhanced practical knowledge.
  • Case-based discussions helped attendees understand real-world clinical challenges.
  • Scarless surgery (TOETVA) session provided insights into minimally invasive thyroidectomy.
  • Strengthened networking & collaboration among ENT surgeons, endocrinologists, and oncologists.

Institutional & Organizational Support

The success of this CME was made possible through the support of:

  • Smita Memorial Hospital, which provided venue and logistical support.
  • United Medical Mission, which played a key role in organizing and executing the event.
  • The Indian Society of Thyroid Surgeons, which contributed scientific expertise.
  • AOI Malanadu, which facilitated participation from a broad range of ENT specialists.

Gallery

Here are some of the photos from the event

Conclusion

The Thyroid Nexus – First Chapter CME was a remarkable success, offering a unique learning experience for all participants. The positive feedback from attendees highlights the relevance of such academic events in enhancing clinical decision-making and surgical skills. This CME has set a strong foundation for future Thyroid Nexus programs, ensuring continued education and advancements in thyroid care.

 

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