Subtotal thyroidectomy

Subtotal Thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a portion of the thyroid gland. This procedure is typically performed to treat conditions such as Graves' disease, toxic multinodular goiter, and thyroid cancer.

Procedure

The procedure begins with the surgeon making an incision in the neck to expose the thyroid gland. The surgeon then removes a portion of the gland, leaving a small amount of thyroid tissue intact. This is done to preserve some of the gland's function and reduce the risk of complications such as hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism.

Indications

Subtotal thyroidectomy is indicated for patients with Graves' disease who have not responded to antithyroid drugs or radioactive iodine therapy. It is also used to treat toxic multinodular goiter and certain types of thyroid cancer.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, subtotal thyroidectomy carries some risks. These include infection, bleeding, and damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which can cause voice changes. There is also a risk of hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism, which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and muscle weakness.

Postoperative Care

After the procedure, patients are typically monitored in the hospital for 24 to 48 hours. They may need to take thyroid hormone replacement therapy to maintain normal thyroid function. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor the patient's thyroid hormone levels and adjust the dosage of thyroid hormone replacement therapy as needed.

See Also

• Thyroidectomy
• Total thyroidectomy
• Thyroid disease
• Thyroid cancer