King’s College London Hospital in Dubai unveils groundbreaking technology for safer thyroid surgery – News

On By Karl

King’s College London Hospital in Dubai is proud to announce the introduction of a revolutionary new technology used for the first time in the UAE in thyroid surgery: the PT Near Infrared Autofluorescence (NIRAF) detection system. This cutting-edge technology allows for easier identification and preservation of the parathyroid glands, reducing the risk of postoperative complications in patients undergoing thyroid and parathyroid procedures.

Published: Fri, November 1, 2024 15:46

Thyroidectomy, a common surgical procedure to remove all or part of the thyroid gland, carries the risk of postoperative hypocalcemia, a condition that often results from accidental damage or removal of the parathyroid glands. This condition can cause acute symptoms such as neuromuscular irritability, muscle twitching, and spasms, as well as long-term effects such as ectopic calcifications, parkinsonism, cataracts, and heart complications. Although temporary in most cases, permanent hypocalcemia can occur in up to 10 percent of patients, making accurate identification of the parathyroid glands very important.


Parathyroid glands are small and often difficult to identify due to their proximity to the thyroid gland and similarity in appearance to surrounding tissues. This difficulty is further increased in cases of thyroid cancer or re-surgeries where scar tissue may obscure the glands, making their identification a complex task even for experienced surgeons.

Dr., an ENT-head and neck surgeon at King’s College London Hospital in Dubai. Roberto Puxeddu expressed his satisfaction with the new PTeye system and said: “The ability to accurately identify the parathyroid glands in real time during surgery is a significant advance. The system is extremely effective in our complex thyroid and parathyroid procedures, allowing us to protect these delicate structures and reduce the risk of post-operative complications.” It has been proven to help us reduce




Traditional techniques for identifying parathyroid glands, such as ultrasound, CT scans, and MRIs, are usually performed preoperatively and do not offer real-time guidance during surgery. Intraoperative methods such as parathyroid hormone dosage and methylene blue infusion have limited sensitivity and accuracy. In contrast, the PTeye system uses near-infrared autofluorescence to detect parathyroid glands without the need for dyes or contrast agents. This dye-free, real-time detection system delivers an accuracy rate of over 92 percent, helping surgeons protect glands and delicate vascular structures during surgery.

The introduction of the PTeye system at King’s College London in Dubai is a significant milestone in the field of thyroid and parathyroid surgery, providing patients with safer, more effective procedures. The hospital continues to pioneer medical innovation by bringing world-class care to the UAE.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact King’s College London in Dubai.