Thyroidectomy

Thyroidectomy

Thyroid operations are performed under a general anaesthetic. Patients will usually stay 1-2 nights post-operatively.
During your surgical consultation Dr Geere will discuss the particular operation which is required for your surgical diagnosis. She will discuss the potential risks and complications of the surgery.

Once you are under general anaesthesia a skin incision is made in the skin crease of the neck. The size of the incision is dependent on the size of the thyroid and also whether there is to be lymph node excision also. This is usually between 4-6cm.
Particular attention is placed on the blood supply to the Thyroid when the vessels are divided to reduce the risk of post-op bleeding complications.

Also attention to small glands called the Parathyroid glands which are located very close to or within the Thyroid gland is made. These glands are important to maintain the calcium levels in the body. If these are damaged then a patient may require temporary or permanent calcium replacement. Patient’s will require a blood test to check the calcium level in the blood if they are undergoing a Total Thyroidectomy.

During the operation attention will also be placed on the identification of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve which controls the voice box. There is a nerve located on each side of the neck behind the thyroid gland. During the surgery a Nerve Monitor will be used to confirm an intact nerve signal once the Nerve has been visually identified. There may be a stretch injury to the nerve during a thyroid operation (especially in a large goitre removal). This may result in a temporary weakening of the voice, swallow and cough. Very rarely (<1%) there may be a permanent voice change.

Other potential risks/complications which will be discussed include infection, scarring, pain.