It means removal of part or all of the thyroid gland normally performed either by a General surgeon or ENT surgeon under General anesthesia.

WHY IS IT RESORTED TO?

• Benign or cancerous tumors of the thyroid.
• Thyroglossal cysts.

PRE-OP TESTS

• In addition to routine pre-op package, sonography, CT scan if required, needle biopsy and radioactive scan.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• An incision is made in the neck along natural skin folds.
• Blood supply to the thyroid gland is clamped.
• All or part of the thyroid gland is cut free and removed. This is very delicate as lot of nerves and blood vessels are embedded in the gland and can lead to a lot of problems if inadvertently cut. 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 8 days after surgery.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Hoarseness, if vocal-cord nerves are damaged during surgery.
• Hypothyroidism as entire thyroid tissue is removed. Thyroid hormone is to be given life long in these cases.
• Hypoparathyroidism.
• Excessive bleeding.
• Wound infection.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY

3 to 7 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME

In most patients underlying problem gets cured. Cancer that is present but has not spread may require radiation treatment.

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

• A hard ridge may form along the incision but recedes gradually as it heals.
• Bathe as usual. You may wash the incision gently with mild unscented soap.

MEDICATION

Your may prescribed:

• Pain relievers. Use ONLY as much as you need.
• Thyroid hormone replacement.

ACTIVITY

• Return to work and normal activity as soon as possible.
• Resume driving 2 weeks after you return home.
• Sexual activity can be resumed as soon as you are free from pain.

DIET

No special dietary restrictions.

BE ALERT FOR

• Increasing pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding.
• Signs of infection fever, headache, dizziness or a general ill feeling.
• Symptoms of hypothyroidism: excessive weakness, fatigue, intolerance to cold, menstrual irregularities, constipation, or dry and coarse skin and hair.