Total thyroidectomy
What is a total thyroidectomy?
A total thyroidectomy is an operation where Dr Fragkiadakis removes both lobes of your thyroid gland (all the gland). The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that helps control your body’s metabolism. Given the fact that all the gland is removed, you will need to take a daily hormone tablet for lifelong.
Why Might I Need a Total Thyroidectomy?
Surgery may be recommended if you have:
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Multinodular goitre: The gland has multiple lumps in your thyroid that aren’t cancerous, but might cause a visible lump, trouble swallowing, or breathing problems.
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Thyroid Cancer: If cancer is found in just one lobe and is bigger than 4cm or is multifocal.
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Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism): If the gland produces too much hormone, surgery can help, especially if other treatments like medication have not worked or radioactive iodine is not indicated.
What Happens During the Surgery?
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Before Surgery: You’ll have tests like an ultrasound, blood tests, and sometimes a biopsy. Dr Fragkiadakis will check your overall health and may give you medicine to prepare.
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During Surgery: You’ll be asleep under general anaesthetic. Dr Fragkiadakis makes a small cut in your lower neck, usually in a skin crease to help hide the scar. He will carefully remove the thyroid gland, taking care to avoid important nerves and glands nearby.
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After Surgery: The cut is closed with dissolvable stitches, and you’ll have a small dressing or skin glue and sometimes a drain. The operation usually takes usually 2 hours.
What Are the Risks?
All surgeries have some risks, but serious problems are rare. Possible risks include:
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Hoarseness or Voice Changes: A nerve near the thyroid helps control your voice. If it’s irritated or injured, your voice may be hoarse, but this usually gets better with time. Injury of the nerve is infrequent
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Bleeding or Infection: These are uncommon and can usually be treated if they happen.
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Scarring: Most scars are small and fade over time, but some people may have more noticeable scars.
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Low calcium levels post operatively: Sometimes after surgery, the calcium levels might drop and patients need oral or iv calcium and vitamin D. Hypocalcaemia (low calcium levels) is usually detected with blood tests, but can also present with symptoms like tingling of the lips and fingers.
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Need to take supplement hormone treatment for life: Once all the gland is removed you will need to take thyroxine, the hormone the gland procedures lifelong
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Risks relating to the general anaesthetic: For more info for anaesthetic risks, you can check this link.
Recovery After Surgery
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Hospital Stay: Usually people go home the following day, ensuring that the wound is fine and the calcium blood levels are normal.
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Pain and Wound Care: You might have mild pain or discomfort for a few days. Keep the area clean and dry, and follow your doctor’s instructions.
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Voice Rest: If your voice is hoarse, resting it can help.
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Follow-Up: You’ll see Dr Fragkiadakis after surgery to check your healing and review test results. Blood tests will be done about two months later to check your thyroid hormone levels.
Getting Back to Normal:
Most people return to work and regular activities within two weeks. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 4–6 weeks.
For further information, please click on the link below
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