Thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of a part or all of your thyroid gland. A thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. It makes hormones that control every part of your metabolism, from your heart rate to how quickly you burn calories. A thyroidectomy is performed to treat disorders such as cancer, a noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid (goiter), and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Depending on the reason for surgery determines how much of the thyroid gland is removed. In case your thyroid is removed completely, you’ll need daily treatment with thyroid hormone to replace your thyroid's natural function.
Why is Thyroidectomy performed?
Thyroid cancer: Cancer is the most common reason for thyroidectomy. In such cases, most or all of your thyroid will likely be removed as a treatment option.
Noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid (goiter): Removing all or part of your thyroid gland may be an option for a large goiter. A large goiter may be uncomfortable or make it hard to breathe or swallow. A goiter may also be removed if it's causing your thyroid to be overactive.
Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism): In hyperthyroidism, your thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Thyroidectomy may be an option if you have problems with anti-thyroid drugs, or if you don't want radioactive iodine therapy.
Suspicious thyroid nodules: Some thyroid nodules can't be identified as cancerous or noncancerous after testing a sample from a needle biopsy. If your nodules are at increased risk of being cancerous, you may be a candidate for thyroidectomy.
What are the risks of thyroidectomy?
Although thyroidectomy is a safe procedure, there are some risks the surgery carries, including:
Bleeding
Infection
Low parathyroid hormone levels (hypoparathyroidism)
Permanent hoarse or weak voice due to nerve damage to the vocal cords
What to expect with Thyroidectomy?
Before the procedure
Since a thyroidectomy is usually done under general anesthesia, you won’t be awake during the procedure. Anesthesia may be given to you via a mask or injection into a vein. Your surgical team will be monitoring your body during the procedure. These monitors include a blood pressure cuff on your arm and heart monitor leads attached to your chest.
During the procedure
Your surgeon will first make an incision low in the center of your neck. All or part of the thyroid gland is then removed, depending on the reason for the surgery. In case you have thyroid cancer, your surgeon may also examine and remove lymph nodes around your thyroid. Your surgeon may use special equipment to monitor irritation of vocal cords during the procedure to prevent permanent damage. Thyroidectomy usually takes 1 to 2 hours. There are several approaches to thyroidectomy, including:
Conventional thyroidectomy: This approach involves making an incision in the center of your neck to directly access your thyroid gland.
Transoral thyroidectomy: This approach accesses the thyroid through an incision inside the mouth.
Endoscopic thyroidectomy: This approach uses smaller incisions in the neck. Surgical instruments and a small video camera are inserted through the incisions.
After the procedure
After surgery, you’ll be moved to a recovery room and you’ll be monitored. Some people may need to have a drain placed under the incision in the neck. This drain is usually removed the day after surgery. Some patients may experience neck pain and a hoarse or weak voice for a while after surgery. You'll be able to eat and drink as usual after surgery. Depending on the type of surgery you had, you may be able to go home the day of your procedure or stay overnight in the hospital. Patients must avoid any strenuous activities such as heavy lifting for at least 2 weeks.
What is the Thyroidectomy recovery process?
In general, patients should be eating, drinking, walking around, and doing their normal activities on the night of the operation. However, patients will be asked to do no heavy lifting, swimming, or soaking in a bathtub for 1 week after the operation.
Can a Thyroidectomy affect my voice?
Your voice may sound a little hoarse after surgery, but this is usually temporary. If your voice box is damaged, recovery may take up to 6 months. If you have ongoing problems with your voice, operations are available to help.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the partial or complete removal of the thyroid gland. This surgery is typically performed to treat conditions such as thyroid cancer, goiter, or hyperthyroidism. The procedure has a high success rate and is generally safe, but like all surgeries, it carries some risks, including changes in voice, difficulty swallowing, and hypothyroidism. Recovery time can vary, but most patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks. Post-surgery, patients may need to take thyroid hormone replacement therapy for life. Patients must have open discussions with their healthcare providers to understand the procedure, its risks, benefits, and the care needed after surgery. Always consult with a healthcare professional for accurate information.
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