Difference between thyroidectomies performed by kocher (father of thyroidectomy) and theodor billroth, as described by halsted…
““I have pondered the question for many years and conclude that the explanation probably lies in the operative methods of the two illustrious surgeons.
Kocher, neat and precise, operating in a relatively bloodless manner, scrupulously removed the entire thyroid gland doing little damage outside its capsule.
Billroth, operating more rapidly and, as I recall, with less regard for the tissues and less concern for hemorrhage, might easily have removed the parathyroids or at least have interfered with their blood supply, and have left fragments of the thyroid””