What is a thyroidectomy. How is the thyroidectomy procedure performed. What are the potential risks of thyroidectomy. How long does recovery from thyroidectomy take. When might a thyroidectomy be necessary.

Understanding Thyroidectomy: Purpose and Types

Thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of all or part of the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of the neck. This gland plays a crucial role in the body’s metabolism by producing thyroid hormones. There are several reasons why a person might need a thyroidectomy:

• Thyroid cancer
• Thyroid nodules
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• Enlarged thyroid (goiter)
• Noncancerous growths on the thyroid

Depending on the underlying condition, a surgeon may perform either a total thyroidectomy (removal of the entire gland) or a partial thyroidectomy (removal of a portion of the gland).

Types of Thyroidectomy Procedures

There are two main approaches to thyroidectomy:

1. Traditional Thyroidectomy: This involves making an incision in the neck to access and remove the thyroid gland.
2. Scarless (Transoral) Thyroidectomy: A newer technique that accesses the thyroid gland through the mouth, leaving no visible scar on the neck.

The Thyroidectomy Procedure: What to Expect

Is thyroidectomy a complex surgical procedure? While it is a significant operation, thyroidectomy is routinely performed by experienced surgeons. Here’s what patients can expect during the procedure:

• The surgery typically takes 2-4 hours, depending on the extent of the removal.
• General anesthesia is usually administered, ensuring the patient is unconscious and pain-free.
• For traditional thyroidectomy, an incision is made in the middle of the neck, often placed in a natural skin crease to minimize visible scarring.
• The surgeon carefully separates the muscles to access the thyroid gland.
• The thyroid gland (or the affected portion) is removed, along with any nearby lymph nodes if necessary.
• The incision is closed with sutures or surgical glue.

For scarless thyroidectomy, the procedure is performed through the mouth, eliminating the need for a neck incision.

Preparing for Thyroidectomy: Pre-Operative Steps

Proper preparation is key to a successful thyroidectomy. Before the procedure, patients can expect the following:

• Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI to visualize the thyroid gland
• Blood tests to check thyroid hormone levels and other relevant factors
• Examination of the vocal cords using a laryngoscope
• Discussion of medications, including potential adjustments to current prescriptions
• Instructions on fasting before the surgery

Patients with hyperthyroidism may receive medications to balance thyroid hormone levels before and after surgery. In some cases, antibiotics may be administered to reduce the risk of infection.

Potential Risks and Complications of Thyroidectomy

Do thyroidectomies carry significant risks? While thyroidectomy is generally considered a safe procedure, as with any surgery, there are potential risks and complications. These may include:

• Voice changes or hoarseness due to damage to the laryngeal nerves
• Bleeding and blood clots
• Infection at the surgical site
• Hypoparathyroidism, leading to low calcium levels in the blood
• Hypothyroidism, requiring lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy
• Injury to surrounding structures such as the esophagus or trachea
• Formation of scar tissue that may require additional surgery

It’s important to discuss these potential risks with your surgeon and understand how they can be minimized or managed.

Recovery After Thyroidectomy: What to Expect

How long does it take to recover from a thyroidectomy? The recovery process can vary from person to person, but here are some general expectations:

• Hospital stay: Some patients return home the same day, while others may stay overnight for observation.
• Pain management: Mild to moderate pain is common and can be managed with prescribed medications.
• Incision care: Proper wound care is essential to prevent infection and promote healing.
• Diet: Most patients can resume a normal diet shortly after surgery.
• Activity: Light activities can usually be resumed within a week, but strenuous activities should be avoided for several weeks.
• Follow-up appointments: Regular check-ups are necessary to monitor healing and adjust hormone replacement therapy if needed.

Full recovery typically takes 1-2 weeks, but it may take longer to regain full neck mobility and for the incision to heal completely.

Life After Thyroidectomy: Hormone Replacement Therapy

After a total thyroidectomy, patients will need lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy. This involves taking synthetic thyroid hormones in pill form to maintain the body’s metabolic balance. Key points about hormone replacement therapy include:

• Regular blood tests to monitor hormone levels and adjust medication dosage
• Importance of consistent daily medication intake
• Potential side effects and how to manage them
• Interactions with other medications or supplements

With proper management, most people can lead normal, healthy lives after thyroidectomy.

Advances in Thyroidectomy: Scarless and Minimally Invasive Techniques

How has thyroidectomy evolved in recent years? Advances in surgical techniques have led to the development of minimally invasive and scarless approaches:

• Transoral thyroidectomy: Performed through small incisions inside the mouth, leaving no visible neck scar
• Robotic-assisted thyroidectomy: Utilizes robotic technology for enhanced precision and smaller incisions
• Endoscopic thyroidectomy: Uses small cameras and instruments inserted through tiny incisions

These techniques can offer benefits such as reduced scarring, faster recovery, and less postoperative pain. However, they may not be suitable for all patients or conditions, and their availability may be limited to specialized centers.

Choosing the Right Surgeon for Your Thyroidectomy

Selecting an experienced surgeon is crucial for a successful thyroidectomy. Factors to consider when choosing a surgeon include:

• Board certification in general surgery or otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat surgery)
• Specialization in thyroid surgery
• Number of thyroidectomies performed annually
• Complication rates and outcomes
• Affiliation with reputable hospitals or medical centers
• Patient reviews and recommendations

Don’t hesitate to ask potential surgeons about their experience, approach to thyroidectomy, and how they manage potential complications.

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon

Preparing a list of questions can help you make an informed decision about your thyroidectomy. Consider asking:

• What type of thyroidectomy do you recommend for my condition?
• What are the risks specific to my case?
• How many thyroidectomies have you performed?
• What is your complication rate?
• Will I need thyroid hormone replacement therapy after surgery?
• How long will my recovery take?
• Are there alternatives to surgery in my case?

Open communication with your surgeon can help alleviate concerns and ensure you’re fully prepared for the procedure.

Long-Term Considerations After Thyroidectomy

While most people adapt well to life after thyroidectomy, there are some long-term considerations to keep in mind:

• Regular monitoring of thyroid hormone levels
• Potential need for calcium and vitamin D supplementation
• Importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support overall well-being
• Awareness of symptoms that might indicate hormonal imbalance
• Emotional and psychological adjustment to living without a thyroid gland

With proper care and follow-up, the vast majority of patients experience a good quality of life after thyroidectomy.

Support and Resources for Thyroidectomy Patients

Coping with thyroid surgery and its aftermath can be challenging. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available to support patients:

• Thyroid patient support groups
• Online forums and communities
• Educational materials from reputable medical organizations
• Endocrinologists specializing in post-thyroidectomy care
• Nutritionists familiar with thyroid health

Engaging with these resources can provide valuable information, emotional support, and practical tips for managing life after thyroidectomy.

Future Developments in Thyroid Surgery and Treatment

The field of thyroid surgery continues to evolve, with ongoing research and technological advancements promising improved outcomes for patients. Some areas of development include:

• Refinement of minimally invasive and scarless techniques
• Improved imaging technologies for more precise tumor localization
• Development of new thyroid hormone replacement formulations
• Advancements in molecular testing to better characterize thyroid nodules
• Exploration of thyroid tissue regeneration and bioengineering

These developments may lead to more personalized and effective treatments for thyroid conditions in the future.

The Role of Genetic Testing in Thyroid Disease Management

Genetic testing is playing an increasingly important role in the management of thyroid diseases, particularly in cases of thyroid cancer. Some key points include:

• Identification of genetic mutations associated with specific types of thyroid cancer
• Use of genetic information to guide treatment decisions
• Screening of family members for inherited thyroid conditions
• Potential for targeted therapies based on genetic profiles

As our understanding of the genetic basis of thyroid diseases grows, it may lead to more precise and effective treatment strategies, potentially reducing the need for extensive surgery in some cases.

Thyroidectomy in Special Populations

While thyroidectomy is a common procedure, special considerations may apply to certain patient groups:

Thyroidectomy in Pregnant Women

Can pregnant women undergo thyroidectomy? In some cases, thyroidectomy may be necessary during pregnancy, particularly if thyroid cancer is diagnosed. Key points include:

• Timing of surgery is crucial, with the second trimester often considered optimal
• Close monitoring of thyroid hormone levels is essential for fetal development
• Collaboration between endocrinologists, surgeons, and obstetricians is vital

Thyroidectomy in Children

Thyroid surgery in pediatric patients requires special expertise:

• Considerations for growth and development
• Potential long-term effects on voice and parathyroid function
• Importance of specialized pediatric surgical centers

Thyroidectomy in Elderly Patients

Older adults may face unique challenges with thyroid surgery:

• Increased risk of complications due to comorbidities
• Potential for slower recovery and wound healing
• Careful management of medications and anesthesia

In each of these populations, a tailored approach and specialized care are essential for optimal outcomes.

Alternative and Complementary Approaches to Thyroid Health

While thyroidectomy is often necessary for certain thyroid conditions, there are alternative and complementary approaches that may be beneficial for overall thyroid health:

• Dietary interventions, including adequate iodine intake
• Stress reduction techniques
• Regular exercise
• Herbal supplements (under medical supervision)
• Acupuncture

It’s important to note that these approaches should not replace conventional medical treatment but may be used in conjunction with standard care under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

The Role of Nutrition in Thyroid Health

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining thyroid health and supporting recovery after thyroidectomy. Key nutritional considerations include:

• Adequate intake of iodine, selenium, and zinc
• Balanced consumption of goitrogenic foods
• Potential benefits of antioxidant-rich foods
• Importance of maintaining a healthy weight

Consulting with a registered dietitian who specializes in thyroid health can provide personalized nutritional guidance.

The Psychological Impact of Thyroidectomy

Undergoing thyroidectomy can have significant psychological effects on patients. Common emotional responses include:

• Anxiety about the surgery and its outcomes
• Concerns about body image, especially related to neck scarring
• Mood changes due to hormonal fluctuations
• Adjustment to lifelong medication dependence

Recognizing and addressing these psychological aspects is crucial for comprehensive patient care. Support groups, counseling, and patient education can all play important roles in helping individuals cope with the emotional challenges of thyroidectomy.

Coping Strategies for Thyroidectomy Patients

Patients can employ various strategies to manage the psychological impact of thyroidectomy:

• Seeking information and understanding the procedure and recovery process
• Communicating openly with healthcare providers about concerns
• Engaging in stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga
• Connecting with other thyroidectomy patients for shared experiences and support
• Focusing on overall health and well-being

By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of thyroidectomy, patients can achieve better overall outcomes and quality of life.

Thyroidectomy | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Thyroidectomy is surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland, which is located in the front of the neck. The thyroid gland releases thyroid hormone, which controls many critical functions of the body.

What You Need to Know

• Thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules and other conditions may require thyroidectomy.
• Once the thyroid gland is removed, the person takes replacement thyroid hormone to keep the body’s functions in balance.
• Thyroidectomy can be performed through an incision at the front of the neck, or through the mouth (scarless thyroidectomy).

Why might I need a thyroidectomy?

A thyroidectomy may be appropriate for people who have a thyroid tumor, thyroid nodules or hyperthyroidism, which occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone.

Hyperthyroidism can be the result of an autoimmune problem, too much iodine in the diet, a benign tumor in the pituitary gland, too much thyroid medication, a swelling (goiter) in the thyroid gland or an inflammatory process.

What are the risks of thyroidectomy?

• Voice changes, such as hoarseness
• Sore throat
• Bleeding and blood clots
• Adhesions or scar tissue that require another surgery
• Injury to the esophagus or trachea (windpipe)
• Hypoparathyroidism (too little parathyroid hormone, which can result in abnormally low blood calcium levels)

What happens during a thyroidectomy?

Before the Procedure

The doctor will order imaging and laboratory tests, including:

• Thyroid imaging with ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

• Blood test(s) for thyroid hormone levels and other factors

• Examination of the vocal cords using an instrument called a laryngoscope

Just before your procedure, the surgical team may give you an antibiotic if you have a weakened immune system or other condition that makes you prone to getting infections. You may receive medicines to reduce nausea and vomiting (antiemetics).

For people with hyperthyroidism, the doctor will administer medications to keep thyroid hormones in balance during and after surgery.

Types of Thyroidectomy

Traditional Thyroidectomy

In the operating room, you will be in a semi-seated position, with or without your chin tilted back and with support under your neck and shoulders. Most thyroidectomies are performed under general anesthesia, meaning you are asleep and pain-free during the procedure.

The surgeon makes a small incision in the skin of the neck as close to a natural crease as possible to reduce the appearance of the scar. The surgeon parts a thin layer of muscle to gain access to the thyroid gland, then removes one or both lobes of the thyroid gland as well as any nearby lymph nodes that may be affected by disease.

The surgeon then returns the muscles of the front of the neck to their proper position and secures them in place. The skin is closed with sutures or glue.

Scarless (Transoral) Thyroidectomy

A newer technique involves accessing the thyroid gland through the mouth. This surgery leaves no visible scar since there is no incision on the outside of the neck.

Thyroidectomy: Recovery and Next Steps

In some cases, patients return home the same day as the surgery, but some
people spend the night in the hospital. There, the team can observe the
patient and monitor calcium levels in the blood.

When the thyroid gland is surgically removed, the body still requires
thyroid hormone to keep vital functions in balance.

Thyroid hormone replacement therapy

involves taking synthetic or naturally derived thyroid hormones in pill
form.

Thyroidectomy – Procedure & Risks

By Julie Lynn MarksMedically Reviewed by Robert Jasmer, MD

Reviewed: October 23, 2015

Medically Reviewed

Removal of the thyroid may be necessary due to cancer, enlargement, or noncancerous growths on the thyroid.

A thyroidectomy is surgery to remove part or all of a person’s thyroid.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck. It helps regulate your body’s metabolism.

A thyroidectomy might be needed if you have:

• Thyroid cancer
• Noncancerous growths on the thyroid
• An enlarged thyroid
• An overactive thyroid

A total thyroidectomy is a procedure to remove the entire thyroid.

A partial thyroidectomy means that just a portion of the gland is taken out.

The Thyroidectomy Procedure

A thyroidectomy can take up to four hours, depending on the type of surgery you’re having.

Most of the time, general anesthesia is given. This means you won’t be conscious during the procedure.

A surgeon will make an incision in the middle of your neck, or several small cuts in or near the neck.

If you’re having a conventional thyroidectomy, the surgeon will remove part or all of your thyroid through the incision in your neck.

If you’re having an endoscopic or robotic thyroidectomy, the surgeon will use small instruments and a video camera to perform the procedure through tiny incisions.

A catheter may be placed in the area to help drain blood and fluids.

Before a Thyroidectomy

Before your thyroidectomy, your doctor may perform tests to determine if a growth on your thyroid is cancerous.

You may also undergo imaging tests to find exactly where the thyroid growth is located.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you take before your surgery.

You might need to stop taking certain drugs, such as Plavix (clopidogrel bisulfate), aspirin, Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), or Coumadin (warfarin), prior to your procedure.

Let your doctor know if you smoke. Smoking may slow down your recovery.

Your doctor may prescribe a thyroid medicine or iodine treatment for you to take one to two weeks before your thyroidectomy.

You’ll probably be told not to eat or drink anything for several hours before your surgery. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

After a Thyroidectomy

If you have a catheter in your neck to drain fluid, it’s usually removed the morning after your surgery.

You’ll probably be able to go home the day after your thyroidectomy, but you could spend up to three days in the hospital.

The length of your stay will depend on your medical condition and recovery. You must be able to swallow liquids and pills before you can return home.

It will take about three to four weeks for you to fully recover from your surgery.

If you’ve had your entire thyroid removed, you’ll probably need to take thyroid hormone pills for the rest of your life.

Risks of a Thyroidectomy

Potential risks of a thyroidectomy include:

• Bleeding or infection
• Difficulty breathing
• Permanent hoarseness or weak voice due to nerve damage
• Injury to parathyroid glands (glands near the thyroid) or their blood supply, which can cause low blood calcium levels and sometimes muscle spasms or other neuromuscular symptoms

By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking

• Thyroid gland removal; MedlinePlus.
• Thyroidectomy; Mayo Clinic.
• Thyroidectomy; Cedars-Sinai.

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Thyroidectomy – removal of the thyroid gland

Prices Doctors Our centers

Indications Contraindications Preparation Surgery Rehabilitation Complications Thyroidectomy at SM-Clinic

Thyroidectomy is a surgical operation that involves complete or partial excision of the thyroid gland. Intervention is one of the main methods of treatment of malignant and benign neoplasms of this organ.

Indications

The most common indications for thyroidectomy are:

• thyroid cancer;
• large benign neoplasms: adenoma, nodes, cysts;
• multinodular goiter;
• diffuse toxic goiter;
• Thyroid nodes that produce hormones (toxic nodes).

Surgery is also indicated in cases where the patient develops cancer, but there are contraindications for radioiodine therapy.

Contraindications

Intervention is low-traumatic and therefore has a minimum number of contraindications. Thyroidectomy is not performed if the patient is found to have:

• acute infectious diseases;
• chronic pathologies in the acute stage;
• blood clotting disorders.

Preparation

As part of the preparation, you need to undergo a comprehensive examination, which includes:

• consultation with the attending physician;
• consultation with an anesthesiologist;
• blood tests, including coagulogram;
• urine tests;
• electrocardiogram.

If necessary, additional laboratory or instrumental studies, consultations with highly specialized specialists are prescribed.

Tell the doctor in advance about the medications the patient takes regularly. It is important to inform about the presence of allergies. As part of the preparation, a course of antibiotics may also be prescribed.

Promotion! Free consultation with a surgeon about surgery

Take advantage of this unique opportunity and get a free consultation about elective surgery.

Operation

Any type of thyroid surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The patient is put into a state of sleep and does not feel anything during the operation.

After the anesthesia has taken effect, the surgeon makes a transverse incision at the base of the neck. The incision is made in such a way that in the future the scar merges with the skin fold and is as inconspicuous as possible. After that, depending on the goals of the operation, the surgeon removes the pathology along with the thyroid gland or part of it. One of the main goals is to preserve the parathyroid glands and the recurrent nerve, if they are not affected by the disease.

After removing the tissues, the surgeon sews up the wound, puts a drain. Depending on the extent of the surgeon’s actions, the operation takes from 45 minutes to 3 hours.

Rehabilitation

After the intervention, you must stay in the hospital under the supervision of medical staff. Pain in the neck and throat persist for several days. Painkillers prescribed by a doctor help to get rid of pain.

The term of hospitalization is determined individually and depends on the volume of surgical intervention, the patient’s well-being. Often, after 2-3 days, discharge and continued recovery at home is possible.

If a total thyroidectomy, that is, the total removal of the thyroid gland, has taken place, a person will develop hypothyroidism after the operation. Therefore, there will be a need for a lifelong intake of hormonal drugs. However, even in the case of not total, but partial thyroidectomy, the thyroid gland may also lose its functions, which will have to be replenished with the help of drugs. Despite lifelong hormone replacement therapy, after recovery, a person will be able to lead a normal life without uncomfortable restrictions.

Complications

Complications after the intervention are quite rare. Among the most common: postoperative bleeding, hypoparathyroidism (lack of calcium in the body). If the laryngeal nerve is damaged during the operation, the timbre of the voice changes. Restoration of the usual timbre takes from 3 to 12 weeks. The risk of nerve damage is less than 1%.

Thyroidectomy at SM-Clinic

Surgical intervention on the thyroid gland refers to technically complex operations. The result of such treatment largely depends on the skills of the doctor. To minimize the risks and achieve the maximum positive effect, therapy should be trusted only by experienced surgeons who are proficient in advanced operating techniques. These are the doctors who work in the SM-Clinic.

We have been operating on patients since 2009. Our doctors perform more than 8500 operations annually in 20 surgical directions. Our team consists of over 140 experienced operating doctors and 18 anesthesiologists, including 20 doctors and candidates of medical sciences.

On the basis of our clinic in St. Petersburg, you can undergo a comprehensive preliminary examination. Our patients have at their disposal 7 operating theaters with modern equipment and 25 comfortable hospital wards.

Call us at the phone number listed on the website to find out the price of thyroidectomy, get acquainted with the price list for other services or sign up for a consultation.

* You can read more about the conditions here – Treatment on credit or installments

Preliminary cost. The exact cost of the operation can only be determined by the surgeon during a free consultation.

Specialists in this field 5 doctors

Leading doctors 1 doctor

Mikhailov Aleksey Gennadievich

Surgeon, oncologist, mammologist, endocrine surgeon

Work experience: 22 years

Udarnikov, 19

m. Ladozhskaya

Marshal Zakharov, 20

metro station Leninskiy pr-t

Vyborgskoe shosse, 17

m. Prosveshcheniya

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Boyko Alexander Aleksandrovich

Oncologist, oncodermatologist “SM-Clinic”

Work experience: 12 years

Danube, 47

Dunayskaya metro station

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901 56
Grinevich Vladimir Stanislavovich

Surgeon, oncologist, mammologist, coloproctologist

Work experience: 27 years

Vyborgskoe shosse, 17

metro Prosveshcheniya

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Pfanenshtil Anatoly Viktorovich

Surgeon, mammologist and oncologist. Doctor of the highest category.

Work experience: 15 years

Dunaysky, 47

Dunayskaya metro station

Malaya Balkanskaya, 23

Kupchino metro station

Make an appointment 9000 3
Khokhlov Sergey Viktorovich

Surgeon, oncologist, coloproctologist

Work experience: 28 y.o.

Our offices in St. Petersburg

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Thyroidectomy

The thyroid gland is an important endocrine organ that secretes hormones to regulate metabolic processes, electrolytes, the function of the nervous and reproductive systems. However, the thyroid gland is prone to disease. Among all diseases of the endocrine glands, thyroid pathologies are in second place in prevalence. Thyroid diseases are diagnosed, according to statistics from the World Health Organization, in every tenth person. At the same time, cases of thyroid disease increase every year, which is explained by unbalanced nutrition, depressing environmental conditions, the influence of hereditary factors, and the lack of an effective system for preventing iodine deficiency. Not all thyroid diseases are subject to effective conservative therapy. As a result, partial or radical removal of the thyroid gland becomes the main method for a number of indications.

A thyroidectomy is an operation to remove the thyroid gland. To overcome certain diseases, such as cancer, surgery involves the removal of lymph nodes in the trachea. Combined surgery makes cancer treatment effective and reduces the risk of recurrence.

DIAGNOSTIC EXAMINATION

Diagnosis before thyroidectomy includes the following measures:

– study of the level of hormones in the body;

– ultrasound examination of the gland and lymph nodes to detect pathologies;

– biopsy;

– laryngoscopy;

– CT scan;

– genetic research.

When is a thyroidectomy needed?

Thyroidectomy is recommended in situations where other treatments have failed or in malignant tumors. Patients with asymptomatic nodes are not recommended to carry out surgical intervention, since it is enough for them to limit themselves to dynamic observation. Thyroidectomy is performed in patients who have progressing pathology or suspected malignant transformations.

THE VOLUME OF THE PLANNED OPERATION DEPENDS ON THE NATURE OF THE PATHOLOGY AFFECTING THE THYROID GLAND

– Total thyroidectomy to remove the entire thyroid gland;

– Subtotal thyroidectomy, it is assumed that almost the entire gland is excised, leaving small areas and zones of the location of the parathyroid glands;

– Hemithyroidectomy to remove half of the organ with an isthmus with limited nodes of one of the lobes.

Thyroidectomy

The doctor makes an incision in the front of the neck, clamps and ties up the blood vessels. The thyroid gland – completely or partially – is cut off from other tissues. To prevent bleeding, special clamps are used that are responsible for the process of burying the ends of the vessels. The incision is sutured, the edges of the skin are fastened. It is often necessary to install drainage tubes to prevent fluid accumulation.