Thyroidectomy – Removal of the thyroid gland

Description thyroidectomy

Thyroidectomy – surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is in the neck. It produces hormones, that regulate metabolism. The following types of thyroidectomy:

• The total or subtotal thyroidectomy – the entire thyroid gland is removed;
• Thyroid lobectomy or partial thyroidectomy – removed only part of the thyroid gland (right or left lobe and / or the central part of the gland).

The reasons for performing a thyroidectomy

All or part of the thyroid gland can be surgically removed for the following reasons:

• Hyperthyroidism (hyperthyroidism) due to Graves' disease;
• Expansion of the thyroid gland (goiter), causing a significant increase in its size;
• Signs point to substantial likelihood of thyroid cancer;
• Thyroid Cancer.

Possible complications of a thyroidectomy

Complications are rare, but no procedure does not guarantee the absence of risk. If you plan to thyroidectomy, you need to know about possible complications, which may include:

• Damage to the parathyroid glands, that control calcium metabolism (It can lead to problems with the nerves and heart);
• Voice changes, associated with nerve damage, leading to the voice box (rarely);
• Scarring;
• Bleeding;
• Infection;
• Thyrotoxic crisis – sudden excessive production of thyroid hormones to toxic levels (rarely).

Some factors, that may increase the risk of complications:

• Tyazhedy thyrotoxicosis;
• The large size of the crop;
• Obesity;
• Smoking;
• Alcoholism;
• Poor diet;
• Chronic or long-term illness.

How is thyroidectomy?

Preparation for the procedure

Before the surgery, your doctor may be imposed or carried out following:

• Medical checkup;
• Laboratory and / or medical imaging Tests, to assess thyroid function and its anatomy:
  • Ultrasound – It uses sound waves to diagnose organ;
  • MRT – It uses magnetic waves to produce images of internal body structures;
  • Medicines for thyroid – to suppress thyroid activity in patients with hyperthyroidism;
  • Thyroid Scan – to assess the function of the thyroid gland using radioactive substances and apparatus for scanning;

In the run-up procedure:

• Tell your doctor about taking any medications. A week before surgery, perhaps, you need to stop taking certain drugs:
  • Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel (Plaviks) or warfarin;
• On the eve of the evening before surgery you can eat a light meal. Do not eat or drink anything the night;
• We need to organize a trip for the operation and back home from the hospital.

Anesthesia

When applied thyroidectomy general anesthesia, which supports a patient in the sleep state during operation.

Procedure thyroidectomy

On the front of the neck physician will make an incision. The blood vessels are clamped and bind. All or part of the thyroid gland is cut from the other tissues in the neck. Measures will be taken, to avoid damage to nearby organs and nerves. Bleeding is prevented by means of special clamps, which is compressed and buried ends vessels. The incision is sutured. The edges of the skin are bonded together. It is often necessary to install drainage pipes, to prevent liquid accumulation.

The thyroid gland can be removed in the treatment of thyroid cancer. In this case also be removed lymph nodes in operation. This will determine the spread of cancer.

In some cases, the doctor may remove the thyroid using endoscopic surgery. The operation involves the use of small incisions and special miniature instruments, instead of performing a large incision in the neck.

How long will thyroidectomy?

About 2-4 o'clock.

Thyroidectomy – Will it hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure. You may experience pain and discomfort during recovery. The doctor will give pain medicine for pain relief.

The average hospital stay after thyroidectomy

Typically, the length of stay is one day. Your doctor may prolong hospitalization, If there are complications.

Care after thyroidectomy

Care in a hospital

• Within a few days may feel discomfort in the neck area. Painkillers can help relieve pain;
• In some cases, a few days after surgery may be hoarse voice;
• Depending on, how removed the thyroid gland, perhaps, You need to take thyroid hormones;
• In some cases, thyroid cancer may require radioactive iodine treatment.

Home Care

After returning home, follow these steps:, to ensure the normal recovery:

• Keep the incision site clean and dry;
• Ask the doctor, when it is safe to shower, bath or expose the surgical site to water;
• If the incision gets wet, wipe it dry immediately;
• Do not apply make-up, lotion or cream to the incision;
• Perform neck exercises as directed by a doctor;
• Take your medicines, as prescribed by your doctor;
• Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.

Contact your doctor after thyroidectomy

After discharge from the hospital need to see a doctor, if there was any of the following symptoms of:

• Numbness or tingling around the lips or extremities;
• Cramps and muscle spasms (It indicates dangerously low levels of calcium in the blood);
• Excessive fatigue and progressive;
• Difficulty swallowing, conversation, or breathing;
• Signs of infection, including fever and chills;
• Redness, edema, strong pain, bleeding or discharge from the incision;
• Nausea and / or vomiting, that do not pass after taking the prescribed medicines and persist for more than two days after discharge from the hospital;
• Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain;
• Pain, which does not pass after taking pain medication appointed;
• Pain, burning, frequent urination or persistent blood in the urine.