Thyroid Surgery

Thyroid surgery may sound daunting, but it is a life-changing and potentially life-saving procedure. Thyroid surgery aims to address various thyroid conditions such as cancer, goiters, hyperthyroidism, and suspicious thyroid nodules. Though the thought of undergoing surgery may elicit fear, it's essential to remember that this procedure has a high success rate and can help individuals regain their health and well-being. With advancements in technology and medical innovation, thyroid surgery has become a safe and effective option for those struggling with thyroid conditions.

The thyroid gland, situated in the front of the neck, is responsible for producing thyroid hormone that regulates the body's metabolism. To assess its functional ability, blood tests are conducted. Overproduction of thyroid hormone can lead to symptoms such as palpitations, tremors, weight loss, and heat intolerance, while an underactive thyroid gland can cause fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance.

Three Types of Thyroid Surgery

The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped organ located in the neck that plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, growth, and development. Unfortunately, thyroid disorders like hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroid cancer can affect the function of this essential organ. In such cases, surgery may be necessary, and there are three types of thyroid surgery available:

• Total thyroidectomy involves removing the entire gland
• Lobectomy or hemithyroidectomy involves removing only half of the gland
• Near-total thyroidectomy removes most of the gland but leaves a little tissue on one side.

While each procedure has its risks and benefits, the goal of all three is to restore normal thyroid function and improve the patient's quality of life. As with any surgery, it's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional and carefully consider the options before making a decision. The team at ENT and Allergy Associates is ready to discuss these surgeries with you to help you better understand them. 

What to Expect with a Thyroidectomy

Thyroidectomy is performed by surgeons using general anesthesia, ensuring that you will not be awake for the procedure. An anesthesiologist or anesthetist administers a gas or injects a liquid medication into a vein to ensure unconsciousness. To assist breathing, a breathing tube is placed in your trachea. The surgical team places several monitors on your body to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels, including a blood pressure cuff on your arm and heart-monitor leads attached to your chest.

During a thyroidectomy, the surgeon will create a small incision in the center of your neck while you are unconscious. The incision is typically placed in a skin crease, so it's hardly visible after healing. Depending on the reason for the surgery, the whole or a portion of the thyroid gland will be removed. If you have thyroid cancer, the surgeon may also extract lymph nodes surrounding the gland. 

To prevent vocal cord damage that may be enduring, some surgeons utilize specialized instruments to monitor irritation. Depending on the scope of the surgery, the operation typically takes 1-2 hours.