Thyroidectomy Procedure

Thyroid Gland Removal

The goal of thyroid gland removal (known as a thyroidectomy procedure) is to correct thyroid problems connected to a number of possible causes, including

• non-cancerous thyroid tumors
• thyroid cancer
• a small thyroid nodule or cyst
• a thyroid gland that is so overactive it is dangerous.
• a nontoxic goiter that is so swollen that it's hard for you to breathe or swallow

Thyroid gland removal is also an option if you hyperthyroidism, prefer not to have radioactive iodine treatment, and cannot be treated with anti-thyroid medicines.

All or part of the thyroid gland may be removed. A procedure called a total thyroidectomy removes the entire gland. A subtotal or partial thyroidectomy removes part of the thyroid gland.

The thyroidectomy procedure The thyroid is a gland found in the throat at approximately the same height as the top of the shoulders. It has several lobes in a butterfly shape, and it normally weighs less than an ounce. It is part of your endocrine system, and even though it is relatively small, it plays an important role in regulating metabolism. In fact, the thyroid regulates the metabolism of every cell in your body.

Thyroid gland removal surgery may be done under general anesthesia (which happens more often). But in some circumstances, your doctor may prefer a procedure that uses local anesthesia and medications that will keep you relaxed. You'll be conscious, but you won't feel any pain or discomfort.

The surgeon locates your thyroid gland through a three-to-five inch incision in your neck. He or she will then remove all or part of the gland.

Your surgeon may also decide to use an instrument called an endoscope, which is a device with a tiny camera attached to the end. In this procedure, he or she will make several small incisions, inserting the camera through one for guidance, while removing tissue through another.

A total thyroidectomy takes around four hours. A subtotal thyroidectomy will take less, depending on how much of the thyroid is removed.

All surgeries involve a degree of risk, though it's usually very small. Bleeding and infection are possible. Any surgery involving anesthesia carries a slight risk of breathing problems and adverse reactions to medications.

Thyroidectomy post surgery The outcome of thyroid gland removal is usually excellent, but there are likely to be some after effects from the thyroidectomy procedure.

Your surgeon will be careful not to injure nerves in the area during your procedure. There is, however, a risk of damage to the nerves in your vocal cord. Your voice may weaken for a while. There is a possibility of paralysis on one side of your voice box or larynx. There may be some hoarseness and speaking difficulties, and if you sing you'll probably not be able to hit high notes like you did before. After effects related to your voice can range from mild to severe.

You may have difficulty swallowing. In very rare instances, it may become harder to breath. This problem fades several weeks to several months following your thyroidectomy procedure.

There could be some injury to your parathyroid glands or their blood supply. This can result in hypocalcemia (low calcium levels).

You'll probably need to thyroid hormone pills for the rest of your life.