Thyroid surgery, sometimes called thyroidectomy, involves removing all or part of the thyroid gland, a small gland located in the front of the throat that produces hormones for regulating metabolism and many other bodily functions.
According to WebMD, thyroid surgery is done in cases of thyroid cancer, non-cancerous nodules on the thyroid that are large, and to treat an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) that has not responded to medications.
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Thyroid surgery is done under general anesthesia, so patients are unconscious at all times during the procedure,
said the Mayo Clinic. Several types of monitors are used during surgery to keep track of heart rate and blood pressure.
During a conventional thyroidectomy, a small incision is made in the neck so the surgeon has direct access to the thyroid gland for removal. Thyroid surgery can be endoscopic in which a small camera is inserted through very small incisions. Another approach is robotic thyroidectomy which involves an incision higher in the neck, in the armpit, or chest.
Regardless of method used, thyroid surgery usually takes several hours to complete.
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In some cases, thyroid surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis with patients being discharged later the same day as the operation,
said the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons. In many cases, though, a short hospital stay is required.
Following surgery, patients can expect to have a sore throat and some temporary hoarseness that usually goes away within two weeks. Thyroid surgery usually does not involve a lot of pain, and the pain is easily managed with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen.
Most patients are able to eat and drink normally the same day as the procedure, according to the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons. There may be some swelling in the throat, minor bruising, or a small raised scar. Most patients can return to work and normal activity within just a couple of days.
WebMD advised that if the thyroid surgery was used to treat hyperthyroidism, thyroid hormones can no longer be produced naturally, and patients will then need to to take synthetic hormones for the rest of their lives.
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