Thyroidectomy

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Thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the neck and produces hormones that regulate metabolism. Thyroidectomy is performed to treat various conditions such as thyroid cancer, goiter, and hyperthyroidism.

Indications

Thyroidectomy is indicated for several conditions, including:

• Thyroid cancer: Removal of the thyroid gland is often necessary to treat cancerous growths.
• Goiter: An enlarged thyroid gland that causes symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid gland that does not respond to other treatments.
• Thyroid nodules: Suspicious or symptomatic nodules that may be malignant or cause discomfort.

Types of Thyroidectomy

There are several types of thyroidectomy procedures:

• Total Thyroidectomy: Removal of the entire thyroid gland.
• Subtotal Thyroidectomy: Removal of a significant portion of the thyroid gland, leaving a small part intact.
• Lobectomy: Removal of one lobe of the thyroid gland.
• Isthmusectomy: Removal of the isthmus, the thin band of tissue connecting the two lobes of the thyroid gland.

Procedure

Thyroidectomy is typically performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the neck to access the thyroid gland. Depending on the type of thyroidectomy, the surgeon removes all or part of the gland. Care is taken to avoid damage to the parathyroid glands and the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which are located near the thyroid gland.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, thyroidectomy carries certain risks and potential complications, including:

• Hypocalcemia: Low calcium levels due to damage or removal of the parathyroid glands.
• Hoarseness or voice changes: Due to injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
• Infection: Risk of infection at the surgical site.
• Bleeding: Risk of bleeding during or after the surgery.

Recovery

Recovery from thyroidectomy varies depending on the extent of the surgery. Patients may experience pain and swelling in the neck, which can be managed with pain medication. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks. Lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy may be necessary if the entire thyroid gland is removed.

Related Pages

• Thyroid gland
• Thyroid cancer
• Hyperthyroidism
• Goiter
• Thyroid hormone
• Parathyroid glands
• Recurrent laryngeal nerve