Thyroid surgery: Types, recovery, and more

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the front, lower half of the neck. It is an important organ that regulates metabolism, energy levels, and hormonal balance. When issues arise with the thyroid, surgery may sometimes be become necessary.

 

Miss Natasha Choudhury, a highly regarded adult and paediatric ENT Consultant, provides a detailed overview of thyroid surgery, answering common patient questions to help you make informed decisions.

 

 

When is thyroid surgery performed?

 

There are several reasons why your ENT specialist might recommend thyroid surgery:

• Thyroid nodules: Many thyroid nodules are benign and can be left alone. However, in some instances, there might be abnormal or suspicious growth within a thyroid nodule, which might require thyroid surgery.
• Goitre: An enlarged thyroid can sometimes lead to pressure symptoms, and possibly difficulty with swallowing or breathing. In such cases, thyroid surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland can help resolve these symptoms.
• Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid can be managed with medication or radioactive iodine therapy. However, if these options fail to control the condition or are not amenable, thyroid surgery can definitively treat the thyrotoxicosis.
• Thyroid cancer: Thyroid surgery is often the first step in treatment. This might require removing half (hemithyroidectomy) or the whole thyroid (total thyroidectomy).

 

What are the different types of thyroid surgery?

 

The main types of thyroid surgery include:

• Lobectomy: A lobectomy is usually performed for thyroid conditions (like nodules) that are confined to a single lobe of the thyroid gland. This involves removing one half of the thyroid gland and leaving the other half in place. During this procedure, your ENT specialist will make an incision at the base of the neck. The affected lobe will then be carefully separated and removed.
• Total thyroidectomy: A total thyroidectomy is necessary for some cases of thyroid cancer, hyperthyroidism or large goitres. During this procedure, your ENT specialist will remove the entire thyroid gland, while protecting the nearby nerves and parathyroid glands.

 

How long does recovery take after thyroid surgery?

 

Thyroid surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia, through a small incision in the front of the neck. You would usually stay in hospital overnight, for a day or two. You might require blood tests to check calcium levels whilst in hospital to guide calcium supplementation, if required. You might also be started on thyroid hormone supplementation, depending on the type of thyroid surgery required.

 

Recovery will vary depending on the type of thyroid procedure, but most patients will return to regular activities within 1-2 weeks. After surgery, it’s normal to experience mild discomfort and initial neck swelling under the scar, which will typically subside with time.

 

The incision site will result in a scar that may be noticeable at first but will gradually fade over time. Additionally, your ENT surgeon will take care to make the incision in a natural skin crease, minimising its visibility. Using sunscreen and scar-reducing creams will also help improve the appearance of the scar.

 

Will I need to take medications after thyroid surgery?

 

The need for medication after thyroid surgery will depend on how much of the gland was removed.

 

If you undergo a total thyroidectomy, you will require lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy to ensure your thyroid hormone levels remain balanced. Levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone, is the most common medication prescribed.

 

If only part of your thyroid gland is removed, your remaining thyroid tissue may produce sufficient hormones, and medication may not be necessary.

 

For patients who had surgery to treat thyroid cancer, additional treatments may be required, such as radioactive iodine therapy, to remove any potential remaining cancer cells. In these cases, your ENT specialist will create a tailored treatment plan to address your specific needs.

 

 

To book an appointment with Miss Natasha Choudhury, head on over to her Top Doctors profile today.