Is thyroidectomy a minor surgery?
A thyroidectomy is traditionally a minimally invasive surgery performed through a small horizontal incision in the front of the neck. The entire thyroid gland may be removed or just a single lobe, a portion of a lobe and the isthmus or other structures.
How painful is thyroid surgery?
Typically, there is not a lot of pain involved with thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Rarely narcotic pain medication will be required, but it will be available to you if needed. Most patients only need acetaminophen (Tylenol) for discomfort.
How many hours is thyroid surgery?
Thyroid surgery is done through an incision (surgical cut) in the lower part of the front of your neck. It takes about 2 to 3 hours. During your surgery, your surgeon will examine your whole thyroid gland and remove the parts that have cancer.
How long will I be in hospital for a thyroidectomy?
Most people are ready to return home within one day of surgery, but take off about two weeks from work to recover.
What is the alternative to thyroid surgery?
Bulging or uncomfortable thyroid nodules used to require surgery. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an effective alternative – no surgery or hormone therapy required.
Is thyroid a lifetime problem?
A thyroid disease is often a life-long medical condition that you will need to manage constantly. This often involves a daily medication. Your healthcare provider will monitor your treatments and make adjustments over time. However, you can usually live a normal life with a thyroid disease.
Who is best for thyroid surgery?
Endocrine surgeons: Endocrine surgeons receive training in surgery of all of the endocrine glands, including the thyroid, pancreas, adrenal glands, and pituitary glands. Oncological surgeons: Most surgeons trained in thyroid removal are able to operate on patients with thyroid cancer.
Is it worth removing thyroid?
If your thyroid cancer is considered low-risk, your doctor may recommend removing half or all your thyroid, depending on your circumstances. “If you have an intermediate or high risk of cancer recurrence — meaning it has spread outside the thyroid—we recommend removing the whole thyroid gland,” Stang said.
How soon can you eat after thyroid surgery?
For most people, a special diet after a thyroidectomy or thyroid lobectomy isn’t necessary. You’ll likely be able to eat and drink normally the morning after your surgery, but you may prefer softer foods at first.
How do you sleep after thyroid surgery?
Head of Bed: Please elevate the head of your bed 30-45 degrees or sleep in a recliner at 30-45 degrees for the first 3-4 days to decrease swelling. The skin above the incision may look swollen after lying down for a few hours.
Can I talk after thyroid surgery?
Your voice probably will be hoarse, and you may have trouble talking. For most people, these problems get better within 3 to 4 months, but it can take as long as a year. In some cases, this surgery causes permanent problems with chewing, speaking, or swallowing.
What are the disadvantages of having your thyroid removed?
After the thyroid removal surgery, you may notice some complications such as increased bleeding from the throat, lower levels of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism), a laryngeal nerve injury or wound, and lower levels of parathyroid hormones in circulation.
How long is hospitalization for thyroid surgery?
After thyroid surgery, you will probably stay in hospital for one or two nights to recover from surgery. Your neck wound will be closed with stitches, adhesive strips or small clips. Your nursing team will talk to you about how to care for your surgical wound site once you go home to prevent it becoming infected.
Is it OK to leave thyroid untreated?
Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to serious complications, including heart disease and nerve damage. In rare cases, it can be fatal. Most people with hypothyroidism have to take thyroid hormone replacement long term. You will need ongoing thyroid level checks to ensure you are on the right dose.
Is thyroid a big deal?
Thyroid disorders can range from a harmless goiter (or enlarged gland) that needs no treatment at all to life-threatening thyroid cancer. However, the two most common thyroid problems involve the abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Both conditions are serious and require medical attention.
Does an ENT perform thyroid surgery?
In the United States of America (US), most departments of otorhinolaryngology head and neck surgery have been performing thyroid surgery for many years.
Are you hospitalized for thyroid surgery?
Most patients come to the hospital on the morning of their surgery and the majority of patients go home the same day after a 4 hour observation period in the recovery room.
Can you eat after thyroid surgery?
You can eat whatever you like after surgery. Try to eat healthy foods. You may find it hard to swallow at first. If so, it may be easier to drink liquids and eat soft foods such as pudding, gelatin, mashed potatoes, apple sauce, or yogurt.
Can you shower after thyroid surgery?
You can shower the day after surgery, or after any gauze dressing is removed, if present. While the surgical area can get wet, you should avoid getting excess water or moisture on the incision or vigorously scrubbing the area. Make sure to pat the area dry if it does get wet.
Is thyroid surgery a major operation?
Thyroid surgery is a major operation. Most people recover in a few weeks, but the recovery time may take longer for some people. If you are worried about anything, let your doctor or nurse know.