Total Thyroidectomy (for Thyrotoxicosis)
This webpage will give you information about a
thyroidectomy. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or
other relevant health professional.
What is the thyroid gland?
The thyroid gland is a structure in the neck that produces a
hormone called thyroxine, which regulates the body's metabolism.
Sometimes this gland can become overactive. This is called
thyrotoxicosis and can cause symptoms such as losing weight,
sweatiness and eye problems.
What are the benefits of surgery?
You should no longer have any distressing symptoms.
Are there any alternatives to a total thyroidectomy?
Drugs are often used to begin with. However, these drugs have
side effects. Radioactive iodine can sometimes be used.
It is possible to remove only part of the gland so that you
continue to produce some thyroid hormones and do not have to start
taking thyroxine tablets. However, you may need further
treatment.
What does the operation involve?
The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and
usually takes between an hour and a half and two hours.
Your surgeon will make a cut in your neck in the line of one of
your skin creases and remove the thyroid gland (see figure 1).
Figure 1: The thyroid gland from the front
What complications can happen?
1 General complications
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection in the surgical site (wound)
- Unsightly scarring
- Blood clots
2 Specific complications of this operation
- Change in your voice
- Drop in calcium levels
- Drop in thyroid hormone levels
- Breathing difficulties
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home after one to two days.
You should be able to return to work and normal activities after
about two weeks.
Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities
as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, you should ask a
member of the healthcare team or your GP for advice.
A member of the healthcare team will ask you to go to a
follow-up clinic. Your surgeon will discuss with you any treatment
or follow-up you need.
Summary
Thyrotoxicosis is a condition caused by an overactive thyroid
gland. The symptoms can be distressing. A thyroidectomy to remove
the gland is one of a number of ways thyrotoxicosis can be
treated.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Keith Rigg FRCS MD
Illustrations: Hannah Ravenscroft RM
This document is intended for information purposes only and should
not replace advice that your relevant health professional would
give you.
Copyright © 2011 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on this website is produced
by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by Ramsay Health Care
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You may not copy, print out, download or otherwise reproduce any
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The information should not replace advice that your relevant
health professional would give you.