The thyroid gland plays a critical role in producing and regulating the hormones in the body, so when something goes wrong with this organ, it can cause big problems. Some cases can be solved with noninvasive therapies, but others may require a partial thyroidectomy. Take a look at when this surgery might become necessary.
Understanding a Partial Thyroidectomy
To know if this surgery is right for you, it’s important to understand what it is. A partial thyroidectomy procedure involves the removal of a part of the thyroid gland. Located in the neck, the thyroid gland is an important endocrine gland that produces hormones for regulating metabolism and controlling the function of several organs in the body.
This surgery usually happens under general anesthesia, which means that the patient is unconscious during the procedure. The surgeon makes a small incision in the neck, typically along the natural crease of the skin, and carefully removes the portion of the thyroid gland that is causing problems.
After the surgery is complete, the incision is closed with sutures or staples, and the patient is taken to a recovery area to be monitored until the anesthesia wears off. Most patients are able to go home the same day as the surgery, although some may need to stay overnight for observation.
Why You May Need a Thyroidectomy
There are several reasons why a patient may be a candidate for this procedure. It is typically performed to treat thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid Nodules
Nodules are common and typically benign growths that develop on the thyroid gland. In some cases, they may cause symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, or they may be cosmetically unappealing. If a thyroid nodule grows too large, it can also interfere with the production of thyroid hormones and cause hyperthyroidism.
When that happens, it may be best to remove part of the gland. Hyperthyroidism can cause other serious health problems, including an irregular heartbeat, eye disease and thinning bones. The sooner your thyroid issues are addressed, the better your overall health will be.
Cancer
Thyroid cancer is another reason why your doctor may want to perform a partial thyroidectomy. In cases of thyroid cancer, the tumor is typically removed along with a portion of the surrounding thyroid tissue to ensure that all cancerous cells are removed. Depending on the extent of the cancer, additional treatment such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be necessary.
Addressing cancer quickly and decisively can greatly improve your outcome. You will reduce the chances of the cancer spreading to another part of the body and causing new problems. Getting the surgery will help improve your quality of life and long-term survival chances.
Recovering From Surgery
On occasion, people delay surgeries because they worry about recovery. This is a valid concern after any surgery, including an operation on your thyroid gland. The good news is that recovery doesn’t have to be hard. It just requires patience.
Short-Term Recovery
Healing from a partial thyroidectomy typically takes several weeks. After the surgery, your doctor will provide you with specific instructions for your recovery. This may include restrictions on physical activity, medications to manage pain, and dietary recommendations. It is important to follow these instructions closely to promote healing and prevent complications.
Make sure to take it easy and avoid strenuous physical activity for the first few days after surgery. This will help to reduce swelling and pain and allow your body to heal. Some pain and discomfort are normal after the procedure, but there are steps you can take to manage it. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication, or you may be able to take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Keep a close eye on your incision site and look for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or drainage. Notify your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of infection. For the first few days after surgery, it may be easier to eat soft, easy-to-swallow foods such as soups, smoothies, and mashed potatoes. It’s important not to rush the recovery process. Give your body a chance to heal for the best outcome.
Long-Term Recovery
After the immediate healing process, some patients do need long-term care. Removing part of the thyroid gland can affect your body’s hormone levels. The effect can be even more dramatic if a large part of the gland is gone.
To combat these effects, you may need to take thyroid hormone replacement medication. This therapy can help regulate hormone levels and prevent the development of hypothyroidism. That condition can lead to fatigue, weight gain, a slowed heart rate and other health problems.
Complications
Like any surgical procedure, a partial thyroidectomy carries some risks, although serious complications are rare. Potential complications include bleeding, infection, damage to the vocal cords or other structures in the neck, and changes in thyroid hormone levels.
In some cases, a thyroidectomy may not completely resolve the underlying condition, and additional surgery or treatment may be necessary. For example, if thyroid cancer has spread beyond the thyroid gland, additional treatment such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be necessary.
Move Forward With Your Partial Thyroidectomy
Living with thyroid problems can be uncomfortable and puts other aspects of your health in jeopardy. Rather than trying to deal with the symptoms, it can make more sense to move forward with surgery and get to the root of the issue. This is especially true if you are dealing with potential thyroid cancer.
While recovery from a partial thyroidectomy can take several weeks, most patients are able to return to their normal activities after this time. That time spent on the sidelines is well worth it if you can gain a better quality of life. From your first consultation to your post-surgical progress, the team at Arizona Premier Surgery can make sure you are supported every step of the way. Reach out today to make an appointment, and learn about your options for regaining your health and getting back to your life.
Sources:
https://arizonapremiersurgery.com/2021/10/24/how-long-is-recovery-time-after-a-thyroidectomy/
https://medlineplus.gov/hyperthyroidism.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/thyroidectomy/about/pac-20385195