Thyroidectomy (for Goitre)
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 that regulates the body's metabolism.
Thyroid goitre is where the thyroid gland becomes enlarged.
What are the benefits of surgery?
Removing the gland will improve the appearance of your neck. It
will also prevent or cure breathing or swallowing difficulties.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
It may be possible to treat your condition with medication, such
as thyroxine tablets.
What does the operation involve?
The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic.
Your surgeon will make a cut in your neck in the line of one of
your skin creases and remove most, or all, of the thyroid gland
(see figure 1).
Figure 1 - The thyroid gland from the front.
What complications can happen?
1 General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection in the surgical 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.
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
Thyroid goitre can cause an unsightly appearance, or affect your
breathing or swallowing. Removing the thyroid gland is sometimes
recommended to treat this condition.
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 © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on
this website is produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed
by Ramsay Health Care UK.
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information belong exclusively to EIDO Healthcare Limited.
You may not copy, print out, download or
otherwise reproduce any of the information other than for your
personal, non-commercial use.
The information should not replace advice that
your relevant health professional would give you.