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Thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of part or all of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is an endocrine organ responsible for various physiological functions, including the regulation of metabolism through hormone production.
Thyroidectomy may be performed in the following situations:
Thyroidectomy can be categorized based on the extent of the gland removed:
The surgery is performed once the patient is under anesthesia. Total thyroidectomy procedures include:
Before a thyroidectomy is scheduled, several diagnostic tests are conducted to ensure the procedure is necessary. These tests may include:
Additionally, patients are typically advised to refrain from eating or drinking from the previous night or a few hours before the procedure to minimize the risk of complications due to anesthesia. If hyperthyroidism is present, medications to manage thyroid function and reduce the risk of bleeding may be prescribed prior to surgery.
The surgery involves the complete removal of the thyroid gland, often due to its being affected by disease. The procedure is conducted under general anesthesia, and after the administration of fluids and anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision at the base of the neck to remove the thyroid gland. In some cases, a robotic thyroidectomy may be performed, with the surgeon using an axillary (armpit) incision or a transoral route to access the thyroid gland.
The surgery typically lasts 2-3 hours and requires careful handling, as the thyroid gland is located near important nerves and other glands.
Recovery after thyroidectomy involves managing the loss of thyroid function. Since the thyroid is removed, patients will require thyroid hormone replacement therapy, often in the form of synthetic hormones like Synthroid or Unithroid. The dosage is tailored based on blood tests to ensure proper hormone levels. In cases where the parathyroid glands are affected, calcium supplements may also be prescribed.
Following the surgery, patients are monitored for any post-surgical complications, such as neck pain or hoarseness. Once the patient regains consciousness, normal activities can generally be resumed, though strenuous physical activities should be avoided for at least 10 days.
Though thyroidectomy is generally a safe procedure, it carries some risks, including:
With appropriate care and follow-up, most patients recover fully and can resume normal activities after the procedure.