Thyroidectomy

views updated May 23 2018

Thyroidectomy

Definition
Purpose
Demographics
Description
Diagnosis/Preparation
Aftercare
Risks
Normal results
Morbidity and mortality rates
Alternatives

Definition

Thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure in which all or part of the thyroid gland is removed. The thyroid gland is located in the forward (anterior) part of the neck just under the skin and in front of the Adam’s apple. The thyroid is one of the body’s endocrine glands, which means that it secretes its products inside the body, into the blood or lymph. The thyroid produces several hormones that have two primary functions: they increase the synthesis of proteins in most of the body’s tissues, and they raise the level of the body’s oxygen consumption.

Purpose

All or part of the thyroid gland may be removed to correct a variety of abnormalities. If a person has a goiter, which is an enlargement of the thyroid gland that causes swelling in the front of the neck, the swollen gland may cause difficulties with swallowing or breathing. Hyperthyroidism (overactivity of the thyroid gland) produces hypermetabolism, a condition in which the body uses abnormal amounts of oxygen, nutrients, and other materials. A thyroidectomy may be performed if the hypermetabolism cannot be adequately controlled by medication, or if the condition occurs in a child or pregnant woman. Both cancerous and noncancerous tumors (frequently called nodules) may develop in the thyroid gland. These growths must be removed, in addition to some or all of the gland itself.

Demographics

Screening tests indicate that about 6% of the United States population has some disturbance of thyroid function, but many people with mildly abnormal levels of thyroid hormone do not have any disease symptoms. It is estimated that between 12 and 15 million people in the United States and Canada received treatment for thyroid disorders as of 2002. In 2001, there were approximately 34,500 thyroidectomies performed in the United States. Females are somewhat more likely than males to require a thyroidectomy.

Description

A thyroidectomy begins with general anesthesia administered by an anesthesiologist. The anesthesiologist injects drugs into the patient’s veins and then places an airway tube in the windpipe to ventilate (provide air for) the person during the operation. After the patient has been anesthetized, the surgeon makes an incision in the front of the neck at the level where a tight-fitting necklace would rest. The surgeon locates and takes care not to injure the parathyroid glands and the recurrent laryngeal nerves, while freeing the thyroid gland from these surrounding

structures. The next step is clamping off the blood supply to the portion of the thyroid gland that is to be removed. Next, the surgeon removes all or part of the gland. If cancer has been diagnosed, all or most of the gland is removed. If other diseases or nodules are present, the surgeon may remove only part of the gland. The total amount of glandular tissue removed depends on the condition being treated. The surgeon may place a drain, which is a soft plastic tube that allows tissue fluids to flow out of an area, before closing the incision. The incision is closed with either sutures (stitches ) or metal clips. A dressing is placed over the incision and the drain, if one has been placed.

People generally stay in the hospital one to four days after a thyroidectomy.

Diagnosis/Preparation

Thyroid disorders do not always develop rapidly; in some cases, the patient’s symptoms may be subtle or difficult to distinguish from the symptoms of other disorders. Patients suffering from hypothyroidism

KEY TERMS

Endocrine— A type of organ or gland that secretes hormones or other products inside the body, into the bloodstream or the lymphatic system. The thyroid is an endocrine gland.

Endocrinologist— A physician who specializes in treating persons with diseases of the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands, and the pancreas.

Goiter— An enlargement of the thyroid gland due to insufficient iodine in the diet.

Hyperthyroidism— Abnormal overactivity of the thyroid gland. People with hyperthyroidism are hypermetabolic, lose weight, exhibit nervousness, have muscular weakness and fatigue, sweat heavily, and have increased urination and bowel movements. This condition is also called thyrotoxicosis.

Hypothyroidism— Abnormal underfunctioning of the thyroid gland. People with hypothyroidism have a lowered body metabolism, gain weight, and are sluggish.

Parathyroid glands— Two pairs of smaller glands that lie close to the lower surface of the thyroid gland. They secrete parathyroid hormone, which regulates the body’s use of calcium and phosphorus.

Recurrent laryngeal nerve— A nerve which lies very near the parathyroid glands and serves the larynx or voice box.

Thyroid storm— An unusual complication of thyroid function that is sometimes triggered by the stress of thyroid surgery. It is a medical emergency.

are sometimes misdiagnosed as having a psychiatric depression. Before a thyroidectomy is performed, a variety of tests and studies are usually required to determine the nature of the thyroid disease. Laboratory analysis of blood determines the levels of active thyroid hormones circulating in the body. The most common test is a blood test that measures the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the bloodstream. Sonograms and computed tomography scans (CT scans ) help to determine the size of the thyroid gland and location of abnormalities. A nuclear medicine scan may be used to assess thyroid function or to evaluate the condition of a thyroid nodule, but it is not considered a routine test. A needle biopsy of an abnormality or aspiration (removal by suction) of fluid from the thyroid gland may also be performed to help determine the diagnosis.

If the diagnosis is hyperthyroidism, a person may be asked to take antithyroid medication or iodides before the operation. Continued treatment with antithyroid drugs may be the treatment of choice. Otherwise, no other special procedure must be followed prior to the operation.

Aftercare

A thyroidectomy incision requires little to no care after the dressing is removed. The area may be bathed gently with a mild soap. The sutures or the metal clips are removed three to seven days after the operation.

Risks

There are definite risks associated with the procedure. The thyroid gland should be removed only if there is a pressing reason or medical condition that requires it.

As with all operations, people who are obese, smoke, or have poor nutrition are at greater risk for developing complications related to the general anesthetic itself.

Hoarseness or voice loss may develop if the recurrent laryngeal nerve is injured or destroyed during the operation. Nerve damage is more apt to occur in people who have large goiters or cancerous tumors.

Hypoparathyroidism (underfunctioning of the parathyroid glands) can occur if the parathyroid glands are injured or removed at the time of the thyroidectomy. Hypoparathyroidism is characterized by a drop in blood calcium levels resulting in muscle cramps and twitching.

Hypothyroidism (underfunctioning of the thyroid gland) can occur if all or nearly all of the thyroid gland is removed. Complete removal, however, may be intentional when the patient is diagnosed with cancer. If a person’s thyroid levels remain low, thyroid replacement medications may be required for the rest of his or her life.

A hematoma is a collection of blood in an organ or tissue, caused by a break in the wall of a blood vessel. The neck and the area surrounding the thyroid gland have a rich supply of blood vessels. Bleeding in the area of the operation may occur and be difficult to control or stop. If a hematoma occurs in this part of the body, it may be life-threatening. As the hematoma enlarges, it may obstruct the airway and cause a person to stop breathing. If a hematoma does develop in the neck, the surgeon may need to perform drainage to clear the airway.

WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?

Thyroidectomies are usually performed by surgeons with specialized training in otolaryngology, head and neck surgery. Occasionally, a general surgeon will perform a thyroidectomy. The procedure is performed in a hospital under general anesthesia.

Wound infections can occur. If they do, the incision is drained, and there are usually no serious consequences.

Normal results

Most patients are discharged from the hospital one to four days after a thyroidectomy. Most resume their normal activities two weeks after the operation. People who have cancer may require subsequent treatment by an oncologist or endocrinologist.

Morbidity and mortality rates

The mortality of thyroidectomy is essentially zero. Hypothyroidism is thought to occur in 12-50% of persons in the first year after a thyroidectomy. Late-onset hypothyroidism develops among an additional 1-3% of persons each year. Although hypothyroidism may recur many years after a partial thyroidectomy, 43% of recurrences occur within five years.

Mortality from thyroid storm, an uncommon complication of thyroidectomy, is in the range of 20–30%. Thyroid storm is characterized by fever, weakness and wasting of the muscles, enlargement of the liver, restlessness, mood swings, change in mental status, and in some cases, coma. Thyroid storm is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. After a partial thyroidectomy, thyroid function returns to normal in 90-98% of persons.

Alternatives

Injections of radioactive iodine were used to destroy thyroid tissue in the past. This alternative is rarely performed in 2003.

Resources

BOOKS

Bland, K. I., W. G. Cioffi, and M. G. Sarr. Practice of General Surgery. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders, 2001.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR

  • Which parts of the thyroid will be removed?
  • What will my neck look like after surgery?
  • Is the surgeon a board certified otolaryngologist?
  • How many radical neck procedures has the surgeon performed?
  • What is the surgeon’s complication rate?
  • Will I need any medications after surgery?

Ruggieri, P. A Simple Guide to Thyroid Disorders: From Diagnosis to Treatment. Omaha, NE: Addicus Books, 2003.

Saheen, O. H. Thyroid Surgery. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 2002.

Schwartz, S. I., J. E. Fischer, F. C. Spencer, et al. Principles of Surgery, 7th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1998.

Townsend, C., K. L. Mattox, R. D. Beauchamp, et al. Sabiston’s Review of Surgery, 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders, 2001.

PERIODICALS

Bellantone, R., C. P. Lombardi, M. Raffaelli, et al. “Is Routine Supplementation Therapy (Calcium and Vitamin D) Useful After Total Thyroidectomy?” Surgery 132 (December 2002): 1109–1113.

Dror, A., M. Salim, and R. Yoseph. “Sutureless Thyroidectomy Using Electrothermal System: A New Technique.” Journal of Laryngology and Otology 117 (March 2003)198–201.

Ikeda, Y., H. Takami, Y. Sasaki. “Clinical Benefits in Endoscopic Thyroidectomy by the Axillary Approach.” Journal of the American College of Surgery 196 (February 2003): 189–195.

Oey, I. F., B. D. Richardson, and D. A. Waller. “Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Thyroidectomy for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.” Respiratory Medicine 97 (February 2003): 192–193.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. One Prince St., Alexandria, VA 22314-3357. (703) 836-4444. www.entnet.org/index2.cfm.

American College of Surgeons. 633 North St. Clair Street, Chicago, IL 60611-3231. (312) 202-5000. Fax: (312) 202-5001. www.facs.org.

American Medical Association. 515 N. State Street, Chicago, IL 60610. (312) 464-5000. www.ama-assn.org.

American Osteopathic College of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. 405 W. Grand Avenue, Dayton, OH 45405. (937) 222-8820 or (800) 455-9404. Fax: (937) 222-8840. Email: [email protected].

Association of Thyroid Surgeons. 717 Buena Vista St., Ventura, CA 93001, FAX: (509) 479-8678 www.thyroidsurgery.org.

OTHER

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard University.[cited April 3, 2003]. www.bidmc.harvard.edu/thyroidcenter/edu-thysur.asp.

Columbia University School of Medicine. [cited April 3,2003]. www.cpmcnet.columbia.edu/dept/thyroid/surgeryHP.html.

Cornell University Medical College. [cited April 3, 2003] www.med.cornell.edu/surgery/endocrine/thyroid.html.

University of California-San Diego School of Medicine.[cited April 3, 2003]. www.surgery.ucsd.edu/ent/PatientInfo/th_thyroid.html.

L. Fleming Fallon, Jr., MD, DrPH

Tissue plasminogen activator seeThrombolytic therapy

Tissue typing seeHuman leukocyte antigen test

Tongue removal seeGlossectomy

Tonsil removal seeTonsillectomy

Thyroidectomy

views updated Jun 27 2018

Thyroidectomy

Definition

Thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure in which all or part of the thyroid gland is removed. The thyroid gland is located in the forward (anterior) part of the neck just under the skin and in front of the Adam's apple. The thyroid is one of the body's endocrine glands, which means that it secretes its products inside the body, into the blood or lymph. The thyroid produces several hormones that have two primary functions: they increase the synthesis of proteins in most of the body's tissues, and they raise the level of the body's oxygen consumption.



Purpose

All or part of the thyroid gland may be removed to correct a variety of abnormalities. If a person has a goiter, which is an enlargement of the thyroid gland that causes swelling in the front of the neck, the swollen gland may cause difficulties with swallowing or breathing. Hyperthyroidism (overactivity of the thyroid gland) produces hypermetabolism, a condition in which the body uses abnormal amounts of oxygen, nutrients, and other materials. A thyroidectomy may be performed if the hypermetabolism cannot be adequately controlled by medication, or if the condition occurs in a child or pregnant woman. Both cancerous and noncancerous tumors (frequently called nodules) may develop in the thyroid gland. These growths must be removed, in addition to some or all of the gland itself.



Demographics

Screening tests indicate that about 6% of the United States population has some disturbance of thyroid function, but many people with mildly abnormal levels of thyroid hormone do not have any disease symptoms. It is estimated that between 12 and 15 million people in the United States and Canada are receiving treatment for thyroid disorders as of 2002. In 2001, there were approximately 34,500 thyroidectomies performed in the United States. Females are somewhat more likely than males to require a thyroidectomy.


Description

A thyroidectomy begins with general anesthesia administered by an anesthesiologist. The anesthesiologist injects drugs into the patient's veins and then places an airway tube in the windpipe to ventilate (provide air for) the person during the operation. After the patient has been anesthetized, the surgeon makes an incision in the front of the neck at the level where a tight-fitting necklace would rest. The surgeon locates and takes care not to injure the parathyroid glands and the recurrent laryngeal nerves, while freeing the thyroid gland from these surrounding structures. The next step is clamping off the blood supply to the portion of the thyroid gland that is to be removed. Next, the surgeon removes all or part of the gland. If cancer has been diagnosed, all or most of the gland is removed. If other diseases or nodules are present, the surgeon may remove only part of the gland. The total amount of glandular tissue removed depends on the condition being treated. The surgeon may place a drain, which is a soft plastic tube that allows tissue fluids to flow out of an area, before closing the incision. The incision is closed with either sutures (stitches) or metal clips. A dressing is placed over the incision and the drain, if one has been placed.

People generally stay in the hospital one to four days after a thyroidectomy.


Diagnosis/Preparation

Thyroid disorders do not always develop rapidly; in some cases, the patient's symptoms may be subtle or difficult to distinguish from the symptoms of other disorders. Patients suffering from hypothyroidism are sometimes misdiagnosed as having a psychiatric depression. Before a thyroidectomy is performed, a variety of tests and studies are usually required to determine the nature of the thyroid disease. Laboratory analysis of blood determines the levels of active thyroid hormones circulating in the body. The most common test is a blood test that measures the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the bloodstream. Sonograms and computed tomography scans (CT scans ) help to determine the size of the thyroid gland and location of abnormalities. A nuclear medicine scan may be used to assess thyroid function or to evaluate the condition of a thyroid nodule, but it is not considered a routine test. A needle biopsy of an abnormality or aspiration (removal by suction) of fluid from the thyroid gland may also be performed to help determine the diagnosis.

If the diagnosis is hyperthyroidism, a person may be asked to take antithyroid medication or iodides before the operation. Continued treatment with antithyroid drugs may be the treatment of choice. Otherwise, no other special procedure must be followed prior to the operation.


Aftercare

A thyroidectomy incision requires little to no care after the dressing is removed. The area may be bathed gently with a mild soap. The sutures or the metal clips are removed three to seven days after the operation.


Risks

There are definite risks associated with the procedure. The thyroid gland should be removed only if there is a pressing reason or medical condition that requires it.

As with all operations, people who are obese, smoke, or have poor nutrition are at greater risk for developing complications related to the general anesthetic itself.

Hoarseness or voice loss may develop if the recurrent laryngeal nerve is injured or destroyed during the operation. Nerve damage is more apt to occur in people who have large goiters or cancerous tumors.

Hypoparathyroidism (underfunctioning of the parathyroid glands) can occur if the parathyroid glands are injured or removed at the time of the thyroidectomy. Hypoparathyroidism is characterized by a drop in blood calcium levels resulting in muscle cramps and twitching.

Hypothyroidism (underfunctioning of the thyroid gland) can occur if all or nearly all of the thyroid gland is removed. Complete removal, however, may be intentional when the patient is diagnosed with cancer. If a person's thyroid levels remain low, thyroid replacement medications may be required for the rest of his or her life.

A hematoma is a collection of blood in an organ or tissue, caused by a break in the wall of a blood vessel. The neck and the area surrounding the thyroid gland have a rich supply of blood vessels. Bleeding in the area of the operation may occur and be difficult to control or stop. If a hematoma occurs in this part of the body, it may be life-threatening. As the hematoma enlarges, it may obstruct the airway and cause a person to stop breathing. If a hematoma does develop in the neck, the surgeon may need to perform drainage to clear the airway.

Wound infections can occur. If they do, the incision is drained, and there are usually no serious consequences.


Normal results

Most patients are discharged from the hospital one to four days after a thyroidectomy. Most resume their normal activities two weeks after the operation. People who have cancer may require subsequent treatment by an oncologist or endocrinologist.


Morbidity and mortality rates

The mortality of thyroidectomy is essentially zero. Hypothyroidism is thought to occur in 1250% of persons in the first year after a thyroidectomy. Late-onset hypothyroidism develops among an additional 13% of persons each year. Although hypothyroidism may recur many years after a partial thyroidectomy, 43% of recurrences occur within five years.

Mortality from thyroid storm, an uncommon complication of thyroidectomy, is in the range of 2030%. Thyroid storm is characterized by fever, weakness and wasting of the muscles, enlargement of the liver, restlessness, mood swings, change in mental status, and in some cases, coma. Thyroid storm is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. After a partial thyroidectomy, thyroid function returns to normal in 9098% of persons.

Alternatives

Injections of radioactive iodine were used to destroy thyroid tissue in the past. This alternative is rarely performed in 2003.

See also Parathyroidectomy.


Resources

books

Bland, K. I., W. G. Cioffi, and M. G. Sarr. Practice of General Surgery. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders, 2001.

Ruggieri, P. A Simple Guide to Thyroid Disorders: From Diagnosis to Treatment. Omaha, NE: Addicus Books, 2003.

Saheen, O. H. Thyroid Surgery. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 2002.

Schwartz, S. I., J. E. Fischer, F. C. Spencer, et al. Principles of Surgery, 7th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1998.

Townsend, C., K. L. Mattox, R. D. Beauchamp, et al. Sabiston's Review of Surgery, 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders, 2001.


periodicals

Bellantone, R., C. P. Lombardi, M. Raffaelli, et al. "Is Routine Supplementation Therapy (Calcium and Vitamin D) Useful After Total Thyroidectomy?" Surgery 132 (December 2002): 1109-1113.

Dror, A., M. Salim, and R. Yoseph. "Sutureless Thyroidectomy Using Electrothermal System: A New Technique." Journal of Laryngology and Otology 117 (March 2003):198-201.

Ikeda, Y., H. Takami, Y. Sasaki. "Clinical Benefits in Endoscopic Thyroidectomy by the Axillary Approach." Journal of the American College of Surgery 196 (February 2003): 189-195.

Oey, I. F., B. D. Richardson, and D. A. Waller. "Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Thyroidectomy for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea." Respiratory Medicine 97 (February 2003): 192-193.


organizations

American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. One Prince St., Alexandria, VA 22314-3357. (703) 836-4444. <www.entnet.org/index2.cfm>.

American College of Surgeons. 633 North St. Clair Street, Chicago, IL 60611-3231. (312) 202-5000; FAX: (312) 202-5001. <www.facs.org>.

American Medical Association. 515 N. State Street, Chicago, IL 60610. (312) 464-5000. <www.ama-assn.org>.

American Osteopathic College of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. 405 W. Grand Avenue, Dayton, OH 45405. (937) 222-8820 or (800) 455-9404; FAX (937) 222-8840. Email: [email protected].

Association of Thyroid Surgeons. 717 Buena Vista St., Ventura, CA 93001, FAX: (509) 479-8678. <www.thyroidsurgery.org>.


other

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard University. <www.bidmc.harvard.edu/thyroidcenter/edu-thysur.asp>. (April 3, 2003).

Columbia University School of Medicine. <www.cpmcnet.columbia.edu/dept/thyroid/surgeryHP.html>. (April 3, 2003).

Cornell University Medical College. <www.med.cornell.edu/surgery/endocrine/thyroid.html>. (April 3, 2003).

University of California-San Diego School of Medicine. <www-surgery.ucsd.edu/ent/PatientInfo/th_thyroid.html>. (April 3, 2003).


L. Fleming Fallon, Jr., MD, DrPH

WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?



Thyroidectomies are usually performed by surgeons with specialized training in otolaryngology, head and neck surgery. Occasionally, a general surgeon will perform a thyroidectomy. The procedure is performed in a hospital under general anesthesia.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR



  • Which parts of the thyroid will be removed?
  • What will my neck look like after surgery?
  • Is the surgeon a board certified otolaryngologist?
  • How many radical neck procedures has the surgeon performed?
  • What is the surgeon's complication rate?
  • Will I need any medications after surgery?

Thyroidectomy

views updated May 17 2018

Thyroidectomy

Definition

Thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure in which all or part of the thyroid gland is removed. The thyroid gland is located in the forward part of the neck (anterior) just under the skin and in front of the Adam's apple.

Purpose

All or part of the thyroid gland may be removed to correct a variety of abnormalities of the gland. If the patient has a goiter (an enlargement of the thyroid gland, causing a swelling in the front of the neck), it may cause difficulties with swallowing or breathing. Hyperthyroidism (over-functioning of the thyroid gland) produces hypermetabolism (abnormally increased use of oxygen, nutrients, and other materials). If medication cannot adequately treat this condition, or if the patient is a child or pregnant, the thyroid gland must be removed. Both cancerous tumors and noncancerous tumors (frequently called nodules) can occur and they must be removed, in addition to some or all of the thyroid gland.

Precautions

There are definite risks associated with the procedure. Therefore, the thyroid gland should be removed only if there is a pressing reason or medical condition that requires it.

Description

Thyroidectomy is an operative procedure done most commonly by a general surgeon, or occasionally by an otolaryngologist, in the operating room of a hospital. The operation begins when an anesthesiologist puts the patient to sleep. The anesthesiologist injects drugs into the patient's veins and then places an airway tube in the windpipe to ventilate (provide air for) the patient. The surgeon makes an incision in the front of the neck where a tight-fitting necklace would rest. He locates and takes care not to injure the parathyroid glands and the recurrent laryngeal nerves, while freeing the thyroid gland from these surrounding structures. The blood supply to the portion of the thyroid gland that is to be removed is clamped off. Then all or part of the gland is removed. If cancer is present, all, or almost all, of the gland is removed. If other diseases or a nodule is present, the surgeon may remove only part of the gland. The total amount of thyroid gland removed depends upon the thyroid disease being treated. A drain (a soft plastic tube that drains fluid out of the area) may be placed before the incision is closed. The incision is closed either with sutures (stitches) or metal clips. A dressing is placed over the incision and the drain, if one is used.

Patients generally stay in the hospital one to four days after completion of the operation.

Preparation

Before a thyroidectomy is performed, a variety of tests and studies are usually required to determine the nature of the thyroid disease. Laboratory analysis of blood determines the levels of active thyroid hormone circulating in the body. Sonograms and computed tomography scans (CT scans) help to determine the size of the thyroid gland and location of abnormalities. A thyroid nuclear medicine scan assesses the function of the gland. A needle biopsy of an abnormality or aspiration (removal by suction) of fluid from the thyroid gland may also be done to help determine the diagnosis.

If the diagnosis is hyperthyroidism, the patient may be asked to take antithyroid medication or iodides before the operation; or continued treatment with antithyroid drugs may be the treatment of choice. Otherwise, no other special procedure must be followed prior to the operation.

Aftercare

The incision requires little to no care after the dressing is removed. The area may be bathed gently with a mild soap. The sutures or the metal clips are removed three to seven days after the operation.

Risks

As with all operations, patients who are obese, smoke, or have poor nutrition are at greater risk for developing complications related to the general anesthetic itself.

Hoarseness or voice loss may develop if the recurrent laryngeal nerve was injured or destroyed during the operation. This is more apt to occur in patients who have large goiters or cancerous tumors.

Hypoparathyroidism (under-functioning of the parathyroid glands) can occur if the parathyroid glands are injured or removed at the time of the thyroidectomy.

Hypothyroidism (under-functioning of the thyroid gland) can occur if all or nearly all of the thyroid gland is removed. This may be intentional when the diagnosis is cancer. If the patient's thyroid levels remain high, he may be required to take thyroid replacement for the rest of his life.

The neck and the area surrounding the thyroid gland have a rich supply of blood vessels. Bleeding in the area of the operation may occur and be difficult to control or stop. Rarely is a blood transfusion required, although a hematoma (collection of blood) may develop. If this occurs, it may be life-threatening. As the hematoma enlarges, it may obstruct the airway and cause the patient to stop breathing. If a hematoma does develop in the neck, it may require drainage to clear the airway.

Wound infections can occur. If they do, the incision is drained, and there are usually no serious consequences.

Normal results

Most patients are discharged from the hospital one to four days after the procedure. Most resume their normal activities two weeks after the operation. Patients who have cancer may require subsequent treatment by an oncologist or a endocrinologist.

KEY TERMS

Endocrinologist A physician who specializes in treating patients who have diseases of the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands, and/or the pancreas.

Hyperthyroidism Abnormal over-functioning of the thyroid glands. Patients are hypermetabolic, lose weight, are nervous, have muscular weakness and fatigue, sweat more, and have increased urination and bowel movements. This is also called thyrotoxicosis.

Hypothyroidism Abnormal under-functioning of the thyroid gland. Patients are hypometabolic, gain weight, and are sluggish.

Recurrent laryngeal nerve A nerve which lies very near the parathyroid glands and serves the larynx or voice box.

Resources

OTHER

"Thyroid Gland Removal." ThriveOnline. http://thriveonline.oxygen.com.

thyroidectomy

views updated Jun 11 2018

thyroidectomy (th'y-roid-ek-tŏmi) n. surgical removal of the thyroid gland. partial t. thyroidectomy in which only the diseased part of the gland is removed. subtotal t. a method of treating thyrotoxicosis, in which the surgeon removes 90% of the gland.