Thyroidectomy – Complete Guide Thyroid Gland Removal Surgery

Thyroidectomy is surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. This procedure is typically done to treat different thyroid conditions, including hyperthyroidism, large goiters, thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, and more. Thyroidectomy is performed by experienced surgeons at specialty centers like Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai.

Why Thyroidectomy is Performed

There are several reasons thyroidectomy may be recommended:

• Hyperthyroidism – Overactive thyroid gland producing too much thyroid hormone. Medications may not control symptoms.
• Large goiters – Abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. Can cause neck pain, difficulty swallowing or breathing.
• Thyroid nodules – Lumps in the thyroid. May need to be removed to test for cancer.
• Thyroid cancer – Removal of all or part of the thyroid is standard treatment.
• Multinodular goiter – Multiple thyroid nodules or cysts. Can cause enlargement and symptoms.
• Graves’ disease – Autoimmune disorder that can cause hyperthyroidism. Thyroidectomy may be needed if medications are ineffective.

The Extent of Thyroid Removal

There are several thyroidectomy procedures:

• Total thyroidectomy – Removal of the entire thyroid gland. Often done for thyroid cancer.
• Near-total thyroidectomy – Removal of all thyroid tissue except for a small amount.
• Partial thyroidectomy – Removal of one thyroid lobe only.
• Isthmectomy – Removal of the band of tissue connecting the thyroid lobes.

The type of thyroidectomy depends on the underlying condition and how much thyroid needs to be removed.

How Thyroidectomy is Performed

Thyroidectomy is done under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision at the base of the neck, carefully exposing the thyroid gland. The surgeon then separates the thyroid gland from the surrounding tissues and removes the diseased portions or entire gland. The incision is closed with stitches. In some cases, drains may be placed to remove fluid buildup. The surgery usually takes 1-3 hours.

Recovery After Thyroidectomy Surgery

Most patients stay in the hospital 1-2 nights after thyroidectomy. The neck area may be swollen and painful. Medications are given to control pain. Patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks. Most can return to non-physical work within a couple weeks.

Thyroid hormone medication will be needed lifelong after total thyroidectomy. With partial thyroidectomy, thyroid function is often normal afterward if a part of the gland remains. Long-term follow-up is necessary after thyroid cancer surgery.

Potential Risks and Complications

As with any major surgery, thyroidectomy poses some risks including:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Permanent hoarseness or voice changes
• Low calcium levels
• Damage to parathyroid glands or nearby nerves

However, when performed by an experienced thyroid surgeon, complications are uncommon. Risks can be minimized through proper surgical technique.

Benefits of Thyroidectomy

Potential benefits of thyroid removal depend on the underlying problem:

• Cures hyperthyroidism when due to an overactive thyroid gland
• Removes large goiters or nodules to relieve compressive symptoms
• Allows for direct thyroid cancer treatment
• Resolves various thyroid conditions unresponsive to other treatments

For many patients, thyroidectomy can be curative or significantly improve disease control and quality of life.

Finding an Experienced Thyroid Surgeon

Because thyroidectomy is complex surgery, it’s crucial to have an expert thyroid surgeon perform the procedure. At centers like Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai, thyroidectomy is done by highly specialized endocrine surgeons. The experience and surgical skills of the surgeon are very important for reducing risks and achieving good outcomes.

When thyroidectomy is needed, being well-informed about the procedure, potential benefits, expected recovery process, and risks allow patients to have realistic expectations. Consulting with top thyroid specialists helps ensure thyroidectomy is done safely and only when clinically necessary.

Preparing for Thyroidectomy Surgery

Once thyroidectomy is scheduled, there are important steps to take leading up to the surgery. Here is how to prepare:

• Medical evaluation – Have a complete physical exam and get medical clearance for surgery. Certain health conditions may require stabilization first.
• Thyroid testing – Blood tests of thyroid function help determine the extent of thyroid disease. This guides surgical planning.
• Imaging studies – Ultrasound, CT scan or MRI of the neck may be done to evaluate thyroid nodules or goiter size.
• Biopsy – For some nodules, a fine needle biopsy is performed to check for cancer. This influences the thyroidectomy procedure.
• Medications – Your doctor will advise which medications to stop before surgery, such as blood thinners. Thyroid medications may need adjustment.
• Supplements – Iron, vitamin D, calcium or multivitamins may be recommended, especially after total thyroidectomy.
• Diet – Eat normally but avoid heavy, fatty foods. Stay hydrated. Stop drinking alcohol. Quit smoking if needed.
• Activity – Continue normal activities but get extra rest before surgery. Plan for help during recovery.
• What to bring – Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes to wear home. Chargers, toiletries, eyewear. Advance medical directives.
• Arrange transportation – You cannot drive after surgery due to anesthesia effects. Have someone drive you home.
• Fasting – Stop eating 8 hours and stop drinking 2 hours before surgery. This is for anesthesia safety.

Following doctor’s orders for preparing helps reduce surgical risks and supports healing.

What to Expect on Surgery Day

Here’s how surgery day usually goes:

• Admission – Arrive a few hours early and get checked in. An IV line is started.
• Preoperative care – Nurses will take your vitals, go over health history and medications. Consent forms are signed.
• Pre-surgery check – The anesthesiologist and surgeon will see you beforehand. All questions can be addressed.
• Surgery – You are taken to the operating room. After anesthesia, the thyroidectomy takes 1-3 hours. Family can wait in surgical lounge.
• Post-anesthesia – You wake up in recovery for close monitoring. Throat is sore. Medications treat pain and nausea.
• Inpatient night – Most stay 1-2 nights hospitalized. Fluids and medications are given through the IV. Diet is advanced gradually.
• Discharge – Before going home, discharge instructions are provided. Prescriptions are given. Follow up is scheduled.
• Transportation – You cannot drive immediately after thyroidectomy. Have a family member or friend take you home. Use relaxation techniques to rest.

Knowing what to expect reduces anxiety. Experienced hospitals like Kokilaben make the process as smooth as possible.

Recovering After Thyroidectomy Surgery

Full recovery takes 4-6 weeks for most patients. Here’s what to expect during the recovery period:

• Activity – Start with short walks. Avoid lifting over 10 pounds for 4 weeks. Build back activity slowly. Listen to your body.
• Diet – Start with clear liquids and advance diet over 2-3 days. Soft foods are advised initially. Stay hydrated.
• Incision care – Keep the wound clean and watch for signs of infection. Change outer dressings as directed. Sutures will dissolve.
• Pain control – Use prescribed medications as needed. Apply ice to the neck for swelling. Throat lozenges can soothe discomfort.
• Voice changes – Hoarseness is common early on. Give your vocal cords time to heal. Speak softly at first.
• Calcium and hormones – Take supplements as directed. You may need thyroid hormone medication lifelong after total thyroidectomy.
• Follow up – See your doctor for regular checkups of thyroid levels and neck examination. Monitor for signs of low calcium.
• Support – Enlist help from family and friends, especially for household chores. Join online thyroidectomy support groups.
• Emotions – Mood swings are common after surgery. Be patient with yourself. Counseling helps some patients process changes.

With proper self-care and follow up, most patients feel significantly better after 6 weeks. Full stamina often takes 12 weeks.

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