A thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of some or all of the thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland located in the throat that produces hormones. The thyroid’s main job is to regulate your body’s metabolism. Surgery may be necessary in cases of thyroid cancer, symptomatic goiter or hyperthyroidism. Below we review what to expect from a thyroidectomy.
Types of Thyroidectomy
There are three main ways a thyroidectomy is performed.
- Total or near-total thyroidectomy. This procedure entails removing all or most of the thyroid gland and is performed in cases of large thyroid cancers, large goiters and Grave’s disease.
- Hemithyroidectomy or thyroid lobectomy. This procedure involves removing one of the two thyroid lobes. This may be performed if there is a small thyroid nodule on one side of the gland.
- Isthmusectomy. This procedure means removing the isthmus, which is the bridge of tissue that connects the two thyroid lobes and is performed if there is a tumor located on it.
Surgical Techniques
Thyroid surgery is typically an inpatient procedure performed at a hospital, though sometimes it is performed on an outpatient basis within a surgical center.
There are several surgical techniques that may be used:
- Open. For this approach, the thyroid gland is removed through a single incision across the base of the front of the neck.
- Endoscopic surgery. This minimally-invasive approach requires a few small incisions in various areas of the body to allow an endoscope to be inserted so the surgeon can see the gland and other tools to be inserted to perform the removal.
- Robotic surgery. This is similar to endoscopic surgery except a surgeon controls robotic hands with surgical instruments attached.
Recovery Process
As you’re recovering from surgery…
- You can expect to feel fatigue, sore neck, stiffness and voice hoarseness for a few days to a few weeks following surgery.
- You’ll be able to return to a normal diet after surgery, though your doctor may advise you to avoid heavy, greasy or spicy meals for a couple days.
- Though you can shower the day after surgery, you should not scrub the incision site. Do not bathe for several weeks.
- You’ll need to avoid heavy lifting and other strenuous activity for two weeks after surgery.
- You can return to work one to two weeks after surgery.
- Take all medications as directed, which may include pain medication, calcium, vitamin D and thyroid medication.
- Apply sunscreen from City Drug regularly for at least six months after surgery.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with a thyroid expert, call Foothills ENT and Allergy and Hearing Center today.