Thyroidectomy[edit | edit source]

Introduction[edit | edit source]

A thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. This surgery is performed for various thyroid disorders.

Indications[edit | edit source]

Illustration of a thyroidectomy procedure.

Thyroidectomy is typically indicated for conditions such as:

Thyroid cancer
Goiter
Hyperthyroidism
Non-cancerous enlargement of the thyroid (benign thyroid nodules)

Types of Thyroidectomy[edit | edit source]

Total Thyroidectomy: Removal of the entire thyroid gland.
Partial Thyroidectomy: Removal of part of the thyroid gland (may include lobectomy, isthmusectomy, or hemithyroidectomy).

Preoperative Evaluation[edit | edit source]

Preoperative evaluation includes:

Blood tests
Imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan)
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy

Surgical Procedure[edit | edit source]

The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia. The extent of surgery depends on the reason for the thyroidectomy.

Postoperative Care[edit | edit source]

Postoperative care may involve:

Pain management
Monitoring of calcium levels (due to potential damage to parathyroid glands)
Thyroid hormone replacement therapy (if the entire thyroid is removed)

Complications[edit | edit source]

Possible complications include:

Hypocalcemia
Vocal cord paralysis
Infection
Hemorrhage

Recovery[edit | edit source]

Recovery time varies but usually involves several weeks of reduced activity. Regular follow-up and medication adjustments may be necessary.

Epidemiology[edit | edit source]

The rate of thyroidectomy varies depending on the prevalence of thyroid disorders in the population.

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

[https://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-surgery/ American Thyroid Association - Thyroid Surgery

Thyroidectomy Resources
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