Overview
If you have been told that you need to have thyroid surgery, this page is for you. Please also feel free to reach out to us directly for more personalized information.
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 (such as Graves' Disease) that does not respond to other treatments. By removing the entire gland, this procedure eliminates the specific 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 500-700 cases annually while simultaneously lecturing around the world about how to make this procedure safer.
Procedure
There are multiple ways to do thyroid surgery. During a traditional 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 - including the parathyroid glands - 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. One of our specialties is making sure that you have all of the options available, so please ask if this could be right for you!
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, Graves' disease, 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. You can have confidence in knowing that Dr Russell performs more thyroid surgeries than almost anyone else in the world. And you can also have confidence in knowing that he personally will perform your entire surgery.
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.
Many of our patients ask about weight gain after surgery. The average patient may gain about one pound (0.5kg) the year after surgery. HOWEVER, some patients may be at increased risk for weight gain (such as those with an overactive thyroid). We believe that maintaining a healthy weight is an important part of health and well-being. We will discuss your specific risk factors when we see you, and are happy to review potential solutions (such as thyroid-sparing techniques) when they are appropriate. There are also newer treatment models for people who don't feel back to normal quickly after surgery. Your health is always our primary concern, and we do not believe that you should feel any worse after thyroid surgery than you did before. And we will do all that we can to help you on your journey back to wellness after your surgery. You should not make the decision to have surgery lightly. But when you choose the Russell Center, you should know that you have an experienced team with the most options and dedication to helping you achieve your optimal wellness in your journey.
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