Thyroidectomy
What is Thyroidectomy?
Thyroidectomy is surgical removal of the thyroid gland. It is the most common Surgery for thyroid cancer. It is done through an incision, a few inches long, across the front of the neck. Thyroidectomy are of two types:
Total thyroidectomy: When the entire thyroid gland is removed.
Near-total thyroidectomy: When nearly all of the thyroid gland is removed.
How is Thyroidectomy performed?
Standard thyroidectomy. The surgeon makes a small incision near the base or middle of the neck. This gives the surgeon direct access to the patient’s thyroid gland.
Endoscopic thyroidectomy. In this procedure, the surgeon makes a single small incision. The Surgery is similar to a standard thyroidectomy except that a scope and video monitor are used to guide the procedure rather than surgical loupe magnification, which is special eyewear.
Robotic thyroidectomy. The surgeon makes a cut and then uses a robotic tool to perform the thyroidectomy.
What are the side effects on Thyroidectomy?
Potential risks of a thyroidectomy include:
- Bleeding or infection
- Difficulty breathing
- Permanent hoarseness or weak voice due to nerve damage
- Injury to parathyroid glands or their blood supply, which can cause low blood Calcium levels and sometimes muscle spasms or other neuromuscular symptoms.
