Overview
Thyroid Surgery is removal of the thyroid gland, and can be done by removing half or all of the thyroid gland. When half is removed, it is called a hemithyroidectomy or thyroid lobectomy. When the entire thyroid is removed, it is known as a total thyroidectomy. This article will focus primarily on total thyroidectomy.
Total thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the complete removal of the thyroid gland. It is commonly performed to treat thyroid cancer, large benign goiters, or severe hyperthyroidism that does not respond to other treatments. By removing the entire gland, this procedure eliminates the source of the problem, but it also necessitates lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
Dr Russell has been among the most sought-after thyroid and parathyroid surgeons in the United States for the last five years, performing about 600 cases annually while simultaneously lecturing around the world about how to make this procedure safer.
Procedure
During total thyroidectomy, the surgeon makes an incision in the front of the neck to access the thyroid gland. The entire gland is carefully separated from surrounding structures and removed. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes an hour or two, depending on the complexity of the case. We should comment that total thyroidectomy can also be done without an incision in the neck by a few surgeons who have extensive experience with these techniques, such as transoral or remote access "Scarless" thyroid surgery.
Benefits and Risks
The main benefit of total thyroidectomy is the complete removal of the thyroid gland, which can effectively treat conditions such as thyroid cancer and large goiters. Risks associated with the procedure include damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which can affect vocal cord function, and damage to the parathyroid glands, which regulate calcium levels. These risks are generally low, and your surgeon will discuss them with you in detail. There is a large amount of evidence that the amount of cases that a surgeon has done is directly related to the risk of complications. The single best thing a patient can do to avoid complications is to find an experienced surgeon, with most reports showing that the more cases a surgeon does, the better the results.
Recovery and Follow-Up
Most patients who have a total thyroidectomy will have the option of going home the same day. Pain and swelling in the neck are common and can be managed with pain relief medications. Most patients can return to normal activities within a week or two. Regular follow-up appointments are important to monitor thyroid hormone levels and ensure the success of the surgery. Lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy will be necessary, as the body can no longer produce thyroid hormone.
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