Final answer:
During a thyroidectomy, medical imaging with iodine isotopes helps visualize the thyroid gland, and equipment such as monitors and sterile drapes are used. Anesthesia is administered and nerve monitoring may occur to protect vital structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
During a thyroidectomy, which is a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the thyroid gland, a variety of equipment may be placed on the body. Normally, the surgical team will utilize medical imaging techniques to visualize the thyroid gland, particularly if diagnostics are done intraoperatively. A common form of imaging is the use of radioactive iodine isotopes like Na¹³¹I or Na¹²³I, which are absorbed by the thyroid gland due to its high affinity for iodine. The decay of these isotopes involves gamma emission, which allows for the imaging of the thyroid gland. During the procedure, sterile drapes will be placed to create a clean operating field, and various monitors are attached to the patient to track vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.
The anesthesia team will manage the patient's consciousness and pain levels, often with the help of a breathing tube and ventilator for general anesthesia. In some cases, a nerve monitor might be used to protect the laryngeal nerves which control the vocal cords. The parathyroid glands, which are located on the posterior side of the thyroid and are crucial in calcium regulation, are also monitored and preserved during surgery to prevent complications. Overall, the placement of various equipment and imaging techniques aid in the safe and effective removal of the thyroid gland when necessary.