THYROID
WHAT IS A THYROID?
It is a butterfly shaped gland in front of your neck which secretes the thyroid hormone.
WHAT IS THYROIDECTOMY?
Thyroidectomy is an operation that involves the surgical removal of all or part of the gland.
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Hemithyroidectomy – removing only half of the gland.
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Total thyroidectomy – removal of entire gland.
INVESTIGATIONS
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Routine blood and urine investigations for fitness for surgery.
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X-ray neck
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Ultrasound neck
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Tests to assess the vocal cord function – IDL (indirect laryngoscopy).
COMPLICATIONS OF SURGERY
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Thyroid insufficiency / hypothyroidism
– This depends on the extent of thyroid tissue removed. In case of total thyroidectomy, the patient is required to take a thyroid tablet life long.
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Laryngeal nerve injury
– unilateral causes hoarseness. Bilateral presents as laryngeal obstruction, but this is a very rare possibility.
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Hypoparathyroidism
– resulting in calcium deficiency. It is mostly transient in 95%-99% of patients. This can be treated with monitoring of calcium levels and calcium supplementation.
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Haemorrhage / haematoma
– in 1% cases.
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Infection
– 1%-2% cases.
INSTRUCTIONS AFTER SURGERY
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You need to be hospitalized for 1 – 2 days.
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There is a small dressing at the surgical site.
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Drain is kept which is removed after 48-72 hours.
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You can have a bath after 7 days.
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Monitoring of thyroid / calcium levels to be done as told by the doctor.
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You can resume work after 7 – 10 days.
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