Background/aim: This study aimed to investigate changes in the tracheal mucosa after thyroidectomy, that can be a cause of post-thyroidectomy discomfort.

Materials and methods: Forty rats were divided into normal controls and 3 surgical groups: (i) thyroid isthmectomy with cauterization, (ii) isthmectomy by a cold instrument without hemostasis, and (iii) sham (exposure of the trachea and thyroid gland without thyroidectomy by dissection through pretracheal fascia). Animals were euthanized at 1 and 4 weeks. Mucosal edema and glandular hyperplasia were measured. Mucin production and basal cell activities were evaluated by mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) and keratin 5 (KRT5) using immunofluorescence staining.

Results: Larger mucosal areas were observed in all surgical groups at 1 and 4 weeks. More submucosal glandular hyperplasia was noted in the group with isthmectomy without hemostasis. MUC5AC and KRT5 expressions were significantly higher in the surgical groups.

Conclusion: The tracheal mucosa may change after surgery, which could explain postoperative discomfort after thyroidectomy.

Keywords: Trachea; lymphatic system; neck fascia; respiratory mucosa; thyroidectomy.

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