About Thyroidectomy Surgery

Thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure recommended by physicians for conditions such as thyroid cancer, noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid (goiter), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), or suspicious thyroid nodules. There are two main types of thyroidectomy: total (removal of the entire thyroid gland) and partial (removal of a portion of the gland). Partial procedures include hemi-thyroidectomy (thyroid lobectomy), isthmusectomy, and open thyroid biopsy. While the surgery is generally safe, potential risks include bleeding, infection, low parathyroid hormone levels, or permanent changes to the voice, such as hoarseness or weakness.

Procedure of Thyroidectomy Surgery

1. Anesthesia: The surgery begins with the administration of general anesthesia to relax muscles, prevent pain, and induce sleep during the procedure.

2. Incision: A standard incision is made in the neck, or in some cases, a distant incision may be used, such as in the armpit (axilla) or back of the neck with robotic assistance.

3. Lymph Node Sampling: If thyroid cancer is suspected, the surgeon may sample nearby lymph nodes to check for cancerous cells.

4. Removal of Lymph Nodes: If cancer is detected, the surgeon may also remove nearby lymph nodes in the neck to prevent the spread of the disease.

5. Closure: After removing all or part of the thyroid gland, the surgeon closes the incision with sutures (stitches).

6. Duration: The procedure usually lasts up to four hours, depending on whether the entire thyroid or only part of it is removed.

7. Post-Surgery: After the surgery, patients may experience soreness from the breathing tube used during anesthesia. Recovery times vary, and soreness or discomfort in the neck may persist for a few days.

Thyroidectomy is a widely performed and effective procedure, though careful follow-up and monitoring are essential to ensure proper recovery and management of any potential complications.