Patient Information on Thyroid Surgery
In some cases, doctors recommend surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland in order to treat cancer or another serious thyroid issue. As with any surgical procedure, it is important to understand the implications of the procedure, including the risks and prognosis.
What is Thyroid Surgery
Thyroid surgery is completed using general anesthesia. A surgeon will remove one or both lobes of the thyroid, depending on the location of the cancer cells, tumor(s), or nodule(s). If applicable, the surgeon will also remove any enlarged or affected lymph nodes. The surgeon accesses the gland via an incision at the bottom of the neck.
In some cases the surgeon will opt to access the thyroid via a small incision in the underarm area. A robotic arm equipped with a camera is used to complete the surgical procedure.
Recovery/Prognosis
Post surgical hospital recovery time is limited to 24 to 48 hours. The condition of the patient's health prior to surgery affects his return to normal activities. The recovery period can be as short as a few days or as long as two to three weeks. The attending doctor will authorize the patient's return to work or school when appropriate.
Thyroid surgery is considered very safe, with high recovery rates. Thyroid cancer is highly treatable with high survival and low morbidity rates.
Surgical Risks
Even though thyroid surgery is safe, it involves the same risks characteristic of any surgical procedure. Discuss these with your doctor prior to surgery.
- Anesthesia related complications
- Blood clots
- Bleeding that requires a transfusion
- Infection
- Scarring
There are also risks and complications specific to thyroid surgery. Complications of thyroid surgery are rare.
- Hoarse voice, common temporary condition
- Permanent hoarseness (rare)
- Possible damage to the adjacent parathyroid glands (rare)
- Temporary postsurgical malfunction of parathyroid glands
- Damage to other structures and blood vessels in the neck (rare)