What is this procedure?
This surgery removes part or all of the thyroid in your neck. The thyroid is
a gland in your neck that produces hormones to regulate such things as
temperature and weight.
Why would you need the operation (indication)?
You may have a large thyroid gland (goitre), or you may have nodule(s) in
your gland that may be worrying. You may also have an over functioning
gland that is not well controlled with medications.
What symptoms would you experience with this problem?
You may have symptoms of an over functioning gland. You may feel a lump
in the neck. You may not have any symptoms, but nodules are detected
incidentally on ultrasound.
How do you know for sure that you have the condition therefore you need
this operation?
You may have already seen an endocrinologist (specialist who deals with
hormones in the body) about the thyroid gland. Or your GP have sent you
off to have an ultrasound done. Either way, the best way to know if you
have thyroid problem is usually blood tests and ultrasound.
What scar will you have and what does the procedure involve?
In removing part of or all of the thyroid, you will have an 8cm scar running
across in the lower part of your neck. This allows the surgeon to remove
half of the gland or both sides of the gland.
What anaesthetic will I have and do I have a choice?
You will need a general anaesthetic.
What are the possible complications and what are the chances that they
occur?
The complication risks are low however can be serious. Bleeding is a
serious problem. You will be monitored for this. Should this occur you may
need to go back to the operating theatre to have this stopped. There is a
nerve on each side of the neck that supplies the vocal cord. This nerve is
at potential risk. You may develop a hoarse voice should one of these
nerve is damaged. And finally, there are 4 small glands (parathyroid) in
the neck that control the calcium level in your body - 2 on each side. You
need at least 1 of these glands to control the calcium. If you are having
the whole thyroid gland removed there is a risk that all 4 of these small
glands are taken with it - hence your calcium level may become very low.
You will be monitored for the calcium level.
What to expect after the operation?
You will have a drain for 2 day. You will be in hospital for 2 days. The drain
is removed prior to you going home.
Should I not be doing certain things after the operation?
No. Usual wound care is recommended.
How long should I be off work?
Depending on the nature of your job, but we recommend a week to
recover from the surgery.
What if things don't go according to plan after the operation?
If you feel thingling in your hand, this may be an indication that your
calcium is low. If you are prescribed caltrate, you should take 2 tablets
every hour until the sensation goes away. Otherwise you need to present
to the emergency department of the hospoital.
When will I see my surgeon for review?
Your surgeon will see you within 2 weeks of surgery.
Is there long term follow-up with my surgeon?
Depending on what is found with the result, you may require long term
follow up with the surgeon.