THYROID SURGERY

Thyroid surgery may be recommended for several reasons, including a thyroid lump, thyroid enlargement, multinodular goitre, pressure on the airway, an overactive thyroid, or thyroid cancer. A thyroid lump is usually assessed with an ultrasound and, in many cases, a fine needle aspiration biopsy. Occasionally, surgery is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

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HOW IS IT DONE?

The thyroid gland sits at the front of the neck, over the windpipe, and is made up of two lobes joined by a central bridge called the isthmus. Surgery may involve removing one lobe of the thyroid, called a hemithyroidectomy or thyroid lobectomy, or removing the whole gland, called a total thyroidectomy.

Thyroid surgery is performed under general anaesthetic through an incision in a natural skin crease near the base of the neck. Great care is taken to identify and protect the nerves that control the vocal cords, as well as the parathyroid glands, which help regulate calcium levels. Possible complications include bleeding, voice changes and low calcium levels, although these are uncommon. Most people are able to go home within 1–2 days after surgery.

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AFTER THE OPERATION

A waterproof dressing is usually applied, and you can eat and drink as tolerated after surgery. The dressing is often removed after 5–7 days. Neck wounds usually heal well and often leave a fine scar.

If the whole thyroid gland is removed, you will need long-term thyroxine replacement. A blood test is usually arranged after surgery to ensure the dose is appropriate.