Thyroidectomy
The thyroid gland is located in the neck and is produces thyroid hormone, which helps regulate metabolism. Surgery on the thyroid gland is performed for both malignant and benign disease. The amount removed depends upon the reason the surgery is being performed. A thyroidectomy is typically an inpatient surgery that involves an overnight stay, though many practices perform outpatient surgery as well.
Surgery is typically performed for the following reasons:
- To rule out or treat thyroid cancer
- To remove small growths on your thyroid (cysts or nodules)
- When an enlarged (goiter) or multiple nodules swell and cause cosmetic, breathing, or swallowing problems
- Inflammatory/overactive thyroid disorders
THYROID CANCER
The thyroid is one of the very important organs of the body. It is located in front of the neck. Thyroid controls various body functions that include:
- Digestion
- Heart rate
- Blood pressure
- And many more
Thyroid problems can impair several functions of the body.
WHICH CONDITIONS REQUIRE THYROID SURGERY?
There are several conditions that may require thyroid surgery. However, mainly thyroid surgery is required in the patients who have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules that are at least 1cm in size and growing, and patients who have excessive production of thyroid hormones.
THYROID SYMPTOMS:
Abnormal thyroid hormone levels in the body can cause various signs and symptoms that include:
- Increased heart rate
- Diarrhea / constipation
- Insomnia
- Muscle weakness
- Heat / cold intolerance
The removal of thyroid gland is called thyroidectomy. There are 2 kinds of thyroid surgeries:
- Partial thyroidectomy: Removal of a part of the thyroid gland.
- Total thyroidectomy: Removal of the whole thyroid gland.
The surgeon and the physician together will help you decide when to get the thyroid surgery.
PREPARATIONS FOR THE THYROID SURGERY
You will be admitted to the hospital 24 hours before your thyroid surgery. You will be asked not to eat or drink anything at all. You will be kept under experts’ observation to prepare you for the surgery.
PROCEDURE OF THYROID SURGERY
Thyroid surgery is an open procedure which is performed with through a small collar incision in your neck. After performing the surgery, sutures are applied which dissolve overtime. The scar fades away slowly and the time varies from person to person.
AFTER THE SURGERY
You will be shifted to your bed in the hospital after the surgery and kept under special observation. Doctors and nurses will keep monitoring your vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, sugar level, etc.) and look for the recovery. Most of the patients go home next day.
RE-VISIT / FOLLOW UP
You will have to visit back your surgeon one week after the surgery. If you have undergone partial thyroidectomy, you will be suggested to take thyroid medication for a specific period of time. But if you have undergone a total thyroidectomy, you will be put on thyroid medication for whole life. This is because human body cannot function properly without thyroid hormones. In your first visit, the surgeon will advise you routine blood test plus thyroid function test.
WHAT IF I DO NOT GET THYROID SURGERY?
As you know that thyroid gland plays an important role in proper functioning of the body. If thyroid hormones are not in balance, the body cannot perform normal functions. Leaving the thyroid problems untreated may lead to heart attack, chronic fatigue, diarrhea or constipation, etc.
It is better to pay a visit to your physician if you feel any symptoms of the thyroid cancer.