Removal of thyroid

Procedure Information

What is thyroid gland removal?

Thyroid gland removal, also known as thyroidectomy is a procedure that involves the removal of all or a part of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located at your neck. It is responsible for secreting the thyroid hormone, which is responsible for regulating your metabolism. 

Drugs can manage thyroid diseases. However, in some conditions like cancer or increased thyroid production due to thyroid adenoma, surgery can be the solution.

Why would I get a thyroidectomy?

There are many indications for thyroidectomy:

• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Hyperthyroidism happens when the thyroid gland produces an increased amount of thyroid hormone. This can lead to weight loss, palpitations, heat intolerance, and hormonal changes that can lead to secondary problems like amenorrhea.
• Thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer usually doesn’t cause an increase or decrease in thyroid hormone levels. However, the malignant tissue can continue to enlarge, leading to pressure symptoms. It may also spread to other places in the body, like the bones. 
• Goiter (diffuse enlargement of the thyroid gland). Goiter happens when there is iodine deficiency. It also can occur when there is excessive stimulation to the thyroid gland, like in Grave’s disease.
• Thyroid nodule. Nodules can either be benign or malignant. If your doctor thinks that there is a chance for the nodule to turn malignant, then thyroidectomy is recommended.

What happens during the procedure?

The procedure is done under general anesthesia to help you fall asleep, prevent pain and relax all your body muscles. The whole surgery takes around 1-2 hours.

The surgeon will start by making an incision in the center of your neck to access your thyroid gland. Then, the surgeon will remove your thyroid gland or part of it, depending on the reason behind the procedure. 

What happens after the procedure?

After the surgery is done, you will be moved to a recovery room until you recover from anesthesia and fully conscious.

You will experience some neck pain and a hoarse voice. This is normal because the muscles responsible for controlling your speech are around the incision area. These things are not permanent and most likely will go away within few weeks after the surgery. You should at least wait two weeks before doing any vigorous activity like strenuous sports or heavy lifting. 

Conclusion

If you have a fever, bleeding, or abnormal swelling around the surgery area, you should call your doctor right away. 

Because your whole thyroid gland is removed, your body won’t be able to make thyroid hormone. So, you will receive the hormone as a medicine. The dose will be determined by your doctor.

If you had a partial thyroidectomy, you might not require thyroid hormone therapy. Your doctor will analyze your thyroid hormone levels to decide if you will need thyroid hormone therapy or not.

Citations

Mayo Clinic: Thyroidectomy

Cleveland Clinic: Thyroidectomy