A journey into the past--the history of thyroid surgery.

We present a short sketch of how the knowledge of thyroid surgery has evolved throughout decades with pointing out to prominent surgeons who achieved great deeds in the history of thyroidectomy. The progress of thyroid surgery is believed to be of utmost importance because it reflects evolution of surgery itself. Although surgeons of our days can rely on wide range of examinations, modern equipment and endocrinological support, they should remember the rules in medicine, that are obligatory nowadays, have been created throughout decades. The abridged sketch of the history of thyroidectomy reflects how long, difficult and--many a time--dramatic way was surmounted by notable and brave pioneers of endocrinological surgery and how they advanced the surgical treatment of the thyroid from the dark ages into the modern era.