Thyroidectomy

What is Thyroidectomy?
Thyroidectomy is a surgery performed to remove the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located over the trachea, below the larynx. It is an endocrine gland of the body that secretes its products and hormones into the blood. Total thyroidectomy is the removal of the whole gland, while partial or subtotal thyroidectomy is the removal of a portion of the thyroid gland.
Thyroidectomy is performed to remove tumor from the thyroid gland or it is done to cut an enlarged thyroid gland that has resulted in a goiter. It is also performed on patients with hyperthyroidism, which is over production of the thyroid hormone.

How is a Thyroidectomy performed?
Once the patient receives anesthesia, a tube is placed in the windpipe to provide air to the patient during the operation. A surgical incision in made in the neck over the thyroid gland. The surgeon takes utmost care not to injure any gland and nerves while removing the thyroid gland. Then, the blood supply is clamped to the portion or the whole gland that has been removed. After this, a part or the entire thyroid gland is removed. A catheter may be placed in the surgical area to drain blood and tissue fluids. This will be removed in a couple of days. The incision is then closed and dressing is applied to the surgical area.

How to prepare for a Thyroidectomy?

How much time is required?
The surgical procedure requires approximately 4 hours if the entire thyroid is removed. Lesser time is taken if only a part of the thyroid is removed and the hospital stay is for about 1-4 days.  

What type of anesthesia will be given?

 General Anesthesia

How will patient recover?

After the surgery the patient's calcium levels are checked. - Most patients are required to take thyroid hormone replacement pills for a live long period. - Patients will suffer pain and some difficulty while swallowing. The voice may be hoarse for a week after the surgery. - Patients may be given exercises by a speech pathologist to strengthen the vocal cords. - After the surgery the patient's meals may be planned by a dietitian for a few days. - The doctor may prescribe pain medication. - The doctor will schedule follow-up visits for 2 to 4 weeks.

What should be cared?

The patient is required to take plenty of rest, and should only eat soft solid foods and liquids during the first few days after the surgery. - The diet should consist of plenty of high fiber food and water. - Strenuous activities should be avoided for a week after the surgery. - The patient can indulge in normal activities in a few weeks after the surgery. - Thyroid cancer patients may be required to have radioactive iodine treatment. - While sleeping, the patient's head should be kept raised for a week after the surgery. - The medications should be taking according to the doctor's instructions. - Dry cold compression may be applied to the surgical site. - Good care should be taken of the drain surgical dressings. - The surgical wound should be cleaned and dressed twice a day according to the doctor's instructions. The doctor should be informed if the patient has the following symptoms: - Redness, swelling, and infection to the surgical incision - Bleeding from the incision - Fever - Chest pain - Eating difficulty - Coughing - Numbness and itchiness on the face or lips - Weak voice