What does a thyroidectomy look like?

A thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. The type of thyroidectomy performed depends on the size of the gland, the extent of the disease, and the surgeon's preference. The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes 1-3 hours to complete.

Step 1: Preoperative preparation

Before the surgery, the patient will be given a physical exam, blood tests, and imaging studies to assess the health of the thyroid gland and rule out any other medical conditions that could affect the surgery. The patient will also be asked to stop taking any medications that could interfere with the surgery, such as blood thinners.

Step 2: Anesthesia

The patient will be given general anesthesia, which will keep them pain-free and unconscious during the surgery.

Step 3: Surgical incision

The surgeon will make a horizontal incision in the neck just below the Adam's apple.

Step 4: Identification of the thyroid gland

The surgeon will carefully separate the muscles of the neck to expose the thyroid gland. The surgeon will also identify and preserve the parathyroid glands, which are small glands that are located near the thyroid gland and regulate calcium levels in the body.

Step 5: Removal of the thyroid gland

The surgeon will carefully remove all or part of the thyroid gland. If only a portion of the gland is being removed, the surgeon will use a special instrument called a cautery to seal off the blood vessels and prevent bleeding.

Step 6: Closure of the incision

The surgeon will close the incision with sutures or staples and apply a bandage.

Step 7: Postoperative care

The patient will be taken to the recovery room where they will be monitored for any complications. They will also be given pain medication and antibiotics to prevent infection. The patient will typically be discharged from the hospital 1-2 days after surgery.

What to expect after a thyroidectomy

After a thyroidectomy, the patient may experience some hoarseness, swelling, and pain in the neck. These symptoms typically resolve within a few weeks. The patient may also need to take thyroid hormone replacement medication to regulate their thyroid levels.

Risks of a thyroidectomy

The risks of a thyroidectomy include bleeding, infection, damage to the parathyroid glands, and hoarseness. These risks are rare and can usually be avoided with careful surgical technique.