THYROID GLAND REMOVAL

General Information

DEFINITION-Removal of part or all of the thyroid gland.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED-Thyroid gland, the organ in the neck below the Adam's apple that controls the body's metabolism.

REASONS FOR SURGERY

• Hyperthyroidism in children and pregnant women.
• Benign or cancerous tumors of the thyroid.
• Thyroglossal cysts (See Glossary).

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Adults over 60.
• Obesity.
• Smoking.
• Poor nutrition.
• Untreated hyperthyroidism.
• Use of antithyroid medication and iodides before surgery decreases risk. Ask your doctor.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES-General surgeon.

WHERE PERFORMED-Hospital.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood studies; sonograms; CT scan; needle biopsy; or radioactive-iodine uptake and scan (See Glossary).
• After surgery: Blood studies.

ANESTHESIA-General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• An incision is made in the neck following natural skin lines.
• Blood supply to the thyroid gland is clamped.
• All or part of the thyroid gland is cut free and removed, and a drain is left in place. In certain cases, some normal thyroid gland tissue is left intact.
• The skin is closed with sutures or clips, which can usually be removed in 2 to 10 days after surgery.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Hoarseness or loss of voice, if vocal-cord nerves are damaged during surgery.
• Hypothyroidism.
• Hypoparathyroidism.
• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY-3 to 7 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME-Underlying problem cured in most patients. Cancer that is present but has not spread may require radiation treatment. Allow about 6 weeks for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

GENERAL MEASURES

• A hard ridge should form along the incision. As it heals, the ridge will recede gradually.
• Use an electric heating pad, a heat lamp or a warm compress to relieve incisional pain.
• Bathe and shower as usual. You may wash the incision gently with mild unscented soap.

MEDICATION--

Your doctor may prescribe:

• Pain relievers. Don't take prescription pain medication longer than 4 to 7 days. Use only as much as you need. > Thyroid hormones.

ACTIVITY

• Return to daily activities and work as soon as possible to promote healing.
• Resume driving 2 weeks after you return home.
• Resume sexual relations when able.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• You develop symptoms of hypothyroidism: excessive weakness, fatigue, intolerance to cold, menstrual irregularities, constipation or dry and coarse skin and hair.
• You develop symptoms of hypoparathyroidism (See Glossary). Occasionally seen with total thyroidectomy for treatment of cancer of thyroid.