The thyroid gland is a small but important gland that sits below the voice box on the lower front portion of the neck. It’s responsible for creating hormones that promote organ function in the body. Thyroid hormones help to transport blood throughout the body, regulate the metabolism, and maintain homeostasis in the body.
Unfortunately, problems with the thyroid gland are quite common. An estimated 20 million people in the U.S. alone have a thyroid disorder of some type. Thyroid problems may be as minor as hyper- or hypothyroidism or as serious as thyroid cancer. In many cases, thyroid medication can help affected individuals manage their symptoms. In other cases, however, total thyroidectomy surgery may be recommended to completely remove this organ.
What Are the Different Types of Thyroidectomy?
There are several different types of thyroidectomies. Your surgeon will recommend the right option for you based on your unique case:
- Thyroid Lobectomy: This is when one of the thyroid lobes is removed. The isthmus (the portion that connects the two lobes) may or may not be removed along with the lobe.
- Subtotal Thyroidectomy: During this procedure, a surgeon removes a portion of the thyroid gland. This type of thyroidectomy is sometimes recommended for patients with Graves’ disease. The goal of the surgery is to minimize symptoms while still preserving enough of the thyroid gland to help the patient avoid replacement therapy.
- Total Thyroidectomy: As the name suggests, this surgical procedure removes all or most of the thyroid gland. Patients with goiters, Graves’ disease, cancer, or hyperthyroidism that do not respond to medication may be good candidates for this procedure.
In addition to surgery, there may be other ways to treat common thyroid disorders. Talk with your doctor to determine whether less invasive treatments are a better fit for your needs before pursuing removal surgery.
What Happens During a Total Thyroidectomy?
In a procedure to remove your thyroid, you’ll be put under general anesthesia. This will make you temporarily fall asleep and prevent you from feeling any pain during your procedure. Once you’re asleep, your surgeon will make a small incision near your thyroid in your neck. This gives the surgeon access to the thyroid gland so that it can be safely removed. The entire procedure typically takes around two hours to complete.
Your surgeon may perform a biopsy of the removed thyroid gland. The results of the biopsy may determine whether any future treatment is required. After a total thyroidectomy, you will need to take thyroid hormone replacement every day to help your body function optimally.
How Can I Tell if I’m a Good Candidate?
You may be a good candidate to have your full thyroid removed if you have been diagnosed with:
- Hyperthyroidism: This is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland pumps out too much thyroid hormone. It’s also known as an overactive thyroid. Depending on the underlying cause of your condition, you may need to have your full thyroid removed.
- Thyroid Cancer: Cancers impacting the thyroid can be very aggressive, though many can be cured with treatment. If you’ve been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, a total thyroidectomy may be recommended.
- Goiters: This refers to the enlargement of the thyroid gland. Goiters can become so large that they cause difficulty speaking, swallowing or breathing. Thyroid hormone levels may be normal or outside of normal ranges when a goiter is present. Total removal of the thyroid gland may be recommended.
If you have received any of the above diagnoses, your doctor will let you know what treatment options are available to you, including total removal of the thyroid gland.
How Do I Prepare for a Total Thyroidectomy?
Prior to your surgery, your doctor may need you to undergo certain imaging tests, such as a thyroid ultrasound or computed tomography scan. These scans will help your surgeon analyze your thyroid and see exactly where the abnormal growth is occurring. Your healthcare provider may also test your vocal cord function and put you on thyroid medicine prior to your procedure.
Talk to your surgeon at least a week before your scheduled surgery to check if you need to stop taking any medications. Mention any vitamins or supplements you’re taking as well, as some of them could potentially increase your risk of bleeding or other complications during surgery. Your provider may also recommend that you stop taking blood-thinning medications prior to your surgery. You’ll receive instructions for fasting before your procedure.
What Does the Recovery Timeline Look Like?
Though a total thyroidectomy is considered a major surgical procedure, the recovery time is fairly quick compared to many other major surgeries. You shouldn’t need to stay overnight at the hospital since it is considered an outpatient procedure. You will, however, need to arrange to have someone else drive you to and from your surgery.
Recovery from a thyroidectomy typically takes about one to two weeks. You may experience a temporary sore throat from the breathing tube placed in your throat during surgery. Your surgeon may also place a small catheter in the incision. This is intended to help drain any fluids at your incision site. Your surgeon will likely remove the drain a day or two later.
What Are the Possible Risks and Side Effects?
A total thyroidectomy is generally very safe. However, there are always some risks associated with surgical procedures of any kind. Possible serious risks associated with thyroidectomy surgery include:
- Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, which can lead to acute respiratory distress or permanent hoarseness
- Excessive bleeding after surgery
- Parathyroid gland damage, which can lead to temporary or permanent hypoparathyroidism (low levels of calcium in the blood)
- Infection
- Tingling, cramping, or numbness
It is important to note that any of these side effects are quite rare. Most people heal well after their procedures and go on to live normal lives.
Schedule a Total Thyroidectomy
If thyroid medications or other treatments have failed to relieve your symptoms, your doctor or surgeon may recommend a total thyroidectomy. Contact Arizona Premier Surgery to learn more about this procedure and to schedule your surgery.
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8541-thyroid-disease
https://www.kentuckianaent.com/news/understanding-the-different-types-of-thyroidectomy
https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/thyroid/thyroidectomy
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thyroid-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20354161