What is a thyroidectomy. Why might someone need this surgical procedure. What are the potential risks and complications of thyroid gland removal. How is a thyroidectomy performed. What does recovery from thyroid surgery involve.

Understanding Thyroidectomy: Definition and Purpose

Thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of all or part of the thyroid gland, which is located in the front of the neck. This butterfly-shaped gland plays a crucial role in regulating many of the body’s vital functions through the production of thyroid hormones. When certain thyroid conditions arise, a thyroidectomy may become necessary to address health concerns and restore hormonal balance.

Why do doctors recommend thyroidectomy? There are several reasons why this surgical intervention might be deemed necessary:

• Thyroid cancer
• Thyroid nodules (benign or suspicious growths)
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
• Inflammatory thyroid conditions

The decision to perform a thyroidectomy is typically made after careful consideration of the patient’s specific condition, overall health, and the potential benefits and risks associated with the procedure.

Types of Thyroidectomy Procedures

Thyroidectomy procedures can vary depending on the extent of thyroid gland removal required. The main types include:

Total Thyroidectomy

In this procedure, the entire thyroid gland is surgically removed. This approach is often recommended for cases of thyroid cancer or when both lobes of the thyroid are affected by disease.

Partial Thyroidectomy

Also known as a thyroid lobectomy, this procedure involves removing only a portion of the thyroid gland, typically one lobe. This may be suitable for certain benign conditions or when preserving some thyroid function is possible.

Subtotal Thyroidectomy

This procedure removes most of the thyroid gland but leaves a small amount of tissue in place. It’s less commonly performed now due to the risk of recurrence of thyroid problems.

Innovative Surgical Techniques: Traditional vs. Scarless Thyroidectomy

Advancements in surgical techniques have led to the development of different approaches to thyroidectomy:

Traditional Thyroidectomy

This conventional method involves making an incision in the front of the neck to access the thyroid gland. Surgeons typically aim to place the incision in a natural skin crease to minimize visible scarring.

Scarless (Transoral) Thyroidectomy

A newer, minimally invasive technique that accesses the thyroid gland through the mouth, leaving no visible external scar. This approach may be suitable for certain patients and conditions, offering cosmetic benefits.

How do surgeons determine which technique to use? The choice between traditional and scarless thyroidectomy depends on factors such as the patient’s specific condition, tumor size, and overall health status. Your surgeon will discuss the most appropriate option based on your individual case.

Preparing for Thyroidectomy: Pre-Operative Considerations

Proper preparation is essential for a successful thyroidectomy. The pre-operative phase typically involves:

1. Comprehensive medical evaluation
2. Thyroid imaging studies (ultrasound, CT, or MRI)
3. Blood tests to assess thyroid hormone levels
4. Vocal cord examination using laryngoscopy
5. Discussion of medications and potential adjustments
6. Fasting instructions for the day of surgery

What specific steps should patients take before surgery? It’s crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, which may include:

• Stopping certain medications or supplements that can increase bleeding risk
• Arranging for transportation home after the procedure
• Preparing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for the day of surgery
• Discussing any concerns or questions with your healthcare team

The Thyroidectomy Procedure: What to Expect During Surgery

Understanding the surgical process can help alleviate anxiety and prepare patients for what lies ahead. Here’s a general overview of what occurs during a thyroidectomy:

Anesthesia Administration

Most thyroidectomies are performed under general anesthesia, ensuring that the patient is unconscious and pain-free throughout the procedure.

Surgical Approach

For a traditional thyroidectomy, the surgeon makes an incision in the front of the neck, carefully separating muscles to access the thyroid gland. In a scarless procedure, the approach is through the mouth.

Gland Removal

The surgeon meticulously removes the thyroid gland, either partially or completely, depending on the specific case. Nearby lymph nodes may also be removed if there’s concern about cancer spread.

Closure

After removal of the thyroid tissue, the surgeon carefully closes the incision using sutures or surgical glue, aiming for minimal scarring.

How long does a thyroidectomy typically take? The duration can vary, but most procedures last between two to four hours, depending on the complexity of the case and the surgical technique used.

Potential Risks and Complications of Thyroidectomy

While thyroidectomy is generally considered a safe procedure, it’s important for patients to be aware of potential risks and complications:

• Voice changes or hoarseness due to laryngeal nerve injury
• Bleeding or hematoma formation
• Infection at the surgical site
• Hypoparathyroidism leading to low calcium levels
• Hypothyroidism requiring lifelong hormone replacement
• Seroma (fluid accumulation) at the surgical site
• Scarring or keloid formation
• Injury to surrounding structures (e.g., trachea, esophagus)

How common are complications after thyroidectomy? While the overall complication rate is relatively low, it’s essential to discuss individual risk factors with your surgeon. Experienced surgeons and proper surgical technique can significantly reduce the likelihood of complications.

Recovery and Post-Operative Care Following Thyroidectomy

The recovery process after thyroidectomy varies from patient to patient, but generally involves the following aspects:

Immediate Post-Operative Period

Patients may spend a few hours in the recovery room before being transferred to a hospital room. Some may be discharged the same day, while others may require overnight observation.

Pain Management

Mild to moderate discomfort is common and can be managed with prescribed pain medications. Most patients transition to over-the-counter pain relievers within a few days.

Wound Care

Proper care of the surgical site is crucial to prevent infection and promote healing. Patients receive instructions on how to clean and dress the incision.

Activity Restrictions

Light activities can usually be resumed within a few days, but strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks.

Follow-up Appointments

Regular check-ups are scheduled to monitor healing, assess thyroid function, and adjust medication if necessary.

How long does it take to fully recover from thyroidectomy? While many patients return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks, complete recovery may take several weeks to months, depending on individual factors and the extent of surgery.

Living Without a Thyroid: Long-Term Management and Hormone Replacement

For patients who undergo total thyroidectomy, lifelong management of thyroid hormone levels becomes necessary. This typically involves:

Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy

Daily oral medication (such as levothyroxine) is prescribed to replace the hormones normally produced by the thyroid gland.

Regular Blood Tests

Periodic blood work is essential to monitor thyroid hormone levels and adjust medication dosages as needed.

Lifestyle Considerations

Patients may need to make certain lifestyle adjustments, such as taking medication at consistent times and avoiding certain foods or supplements that can interfere with hormone absorption.

Ongoing Medical Surveillance

Regular check-ups with an endocrinologist or primary care physician are important for long-term management and to address any concerns that may arise.

Can patients live normal, healthy lives after thyroidectomy? With proper management and adherence to treatment plans, most individuals who have undergone thyroidectomy can lead full, active lives without significant limitations.

In conclusion, thyroidectomy is a complex yet often necessary procedure for addressing various thyroid conditions. While it carries certain risks, advancements in surgical techniques and post-operative care have greatly improved outcomes for patients. Understanding the process, from preparation through long-term management, can help individuals make informed decisions and achieve optimal health results following thyroid surgery.

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.

Show Less

What Is an Ultrasound?

An ultrasound, also called sonography, is a test that uses sound waves to see organs and tissues inside your body. It creates real-time videos and images…

By Julie Lynn MarksFebruary 17, 2023

What Is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy uses a camera to see inside your large intestine and can help screen for colorectal cancer. Here’s what happens when you have one — and …

By Julie Lynn MarksNovember 11, 2022

25 Celebrities Who’ve Spoken Out About Having an Abortion

Lauren Conrad, Uma Thurman, and other celebs share their stories of ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, and other reasons for choosing abortion.

By Suzy KatzNovember 8, 2022

Is It Safe to Take the Abortion Pill at Home?

Abortion pill safety has been proven through many studies, and demand is quickly rising. The abortion pill can be safe to order online and take at home…

By Suzy KatzOctober 21, 2022

What It’s Like Working as an Abortion Doula

An abortion doula provides support before, during, and after an abortion, from driving a client to the clinic to offering emotional following the procedure…

By Stacey ColinoOctober 11, 2022

New Study Questions Effectiveness of Colonoscopies

The risk of colon cancer and death from these malignancies was only slightly lower in people who underwent colonoscopies, but screenings are critical….

By Lisa RapaportOctober 11, 2022

6 Scenarios Where Abortion Can Be Lifesaving

Ectopic pregnancy, severe preeclampsia, and pulmonary hypertension are just a few of the scenarios in which an abortion can be lifesaving.

By Rachael RobertsonSeptember 28, 2022

What Is an Abortion?

Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy. In this medical procedure, the pregnancy tissue or fetus is removed from the uterus.

By Julie Lynn MarksAugust 9, 2022

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

Make an appointment

More
+4 doctors

Other doctors 4 doctors

Boyko Alexander Aleksandrovich

Oncologist, oncodermatologist “SM-Clinic”

Work experience: 12 years

Danube, 47

Dunayskaya metro station

Make an appointment

901 56
Grinevich Vladimir Stanislavovich

Surgeon, oncologist, mammologist, coloproctologist

Work experience: 27 years

Vyborgskoe shosse, 17

metro Prosveshcheniya

Make an appointment

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

6 branches

Center for Surgery Dunayskaya metro station

47 Dunaisky prospect

Dunaiskaya metro station

daily from 09:00 to 22:00

Surgery Center Ladozhskaya metro station

Udarnikov Ave., 19k.1

m. Ladozhskaya

daily from 09:00 to 22:00

Center for Surgery Metro station “Leninsky Prospekt”

st. Marshal Zakharov, d.
daily from 09:00 to 22:00

Center for Surgery Prospekt Prosveshcheniya metro station

Vyborgskoe shosse, 17/1

Prospect Prosveshcheniya metro station

daily from 09:00 to 22:00

Center for Surgery m. “Kupchino”

Malaya Balkanskaya street, 23

m. Kupchino

daily from 09:00 to 22:00

Center for Surgery Dybenko Street

Dybenko Street, 13k4

Dybenko Street

daily from 09:00 to 22:00

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.