Thyroid gland is one of the most important glands in the human body. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck. It produces thyroid hormones which control the speed of metabolism. Thyroid also helps body organs to function properly. Thyroid disorders can slow down metabolism by disrupting the production of thyroid hormones.

Thyroid surgery is also known as Thyroidectomy. It involves the removal of complete or partial thyroid gland. Thyroid surgery is mainly performed to remove thyroid cancer. Dr Amit Chakraborty is a highly experienced, skillful and proficient Cancer Surgeon. He has performed lots of complex thyroid surgeries successfully.

Purpose of Thyroid Surgery

Thyroid surgery or Thyroidectomy is mainly perform for various reasons such as

• To treat Thyroid cancer
• To remove small growths on thyroid (cysts or nodules)
• To treat swelling or enlargement of thyroid gland. This is called Goiter.
• To control hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) in pregnant women
• To treat hypothyroidism in case of failure of other drugs

Types of Thyroid Surgery

There are several different types of thyroid surgery. The most common are Lobectomy, Subtotal Thyroidectomy and Total Thyroidectomy.

1. Lobectomy

Sometimes a nodule, inflammation or swelling affects only half of the thyroid gland. In such condition, doctor removes only one of the two lobes. This procedure is called as a Lobectomy.

2. Subtotal Thyroidectomy

A Subtotal Thyroidectomy includes removing the thyroid gland but leaving behind a small amount of thyroid tissue. This preserves some thyroid function. After undergoing Subtotal Thyroidectomy, many patients develop hypothyroidism. This is easily treated with daily hormone supplements.

3. Total Thyroidectomy

A Total Thyroidectomy surgery is used to remove the entire thyroid and the thyroid tissue. This surgery is the most effective to cure when nodules, swelling or inflammation affecting the entire thyroid gland or when cancer is present.

Procedure of Thyroid Surgery

• Cancer surgeon always discuss with the patient in detail about thyroid surgery type, its risk, procedure, recovery time and post surgery care.
• Doctor first of all examines patient’s health conditions such as heart beat, blood pressure and mental conditions.
• Doctor decides date and time of surgery only after the confirmation of healthy conditions.
• Doctor performs thyroid surgery in hospital only. Patient should not eat or drink anything before surgery.
• Patient is given general anesthesia before the surgery to sleep throughout the surgery procedures.
• The surgeon makes an incision over the thyroid gland and carefully removes all or part of the gland. Thyroid surgery procedure takes around 1-3 hrs as the thyroid gland is small and surrounded by nerves.
• After the surgery, doctor keeps patient under observation for 24-48 hrs and monitors patient’s health condition and progress.

Care after Thyroid surgery

• Every patient should strictly follow doctor’s all instructions and suggestions to avoid complications in the future.
• Patient should avoid strenuous activities.
• Patient should take all the prescribed medicines as per the scheduled only.