thyroidectomy
What is a total or partial thyroidectomy?
The complete or partial removal of the thyroid gland is a surgical procedure known as a thyroidectomy. A small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower part of the neck is the thyroid, which produces hormones that control the entire human metabolism.
What are the goals of surgery?
The objectives of total or partial thyroidectomy are:
The main goal of surgery is to completely remove the tumor.
In order to determine the stage of the disease: Surgery makes it possible to assess the stage of the disease and evaluate the need for other treatments.
Authorize additional treatment: In the event of total thyroidectomy, iodotherapy can be administered in addition.
Reduce the risk of recurrence: Surgery reduces the risk of recurrence of the treated disease.
Preserve the function of the organ: When possible and compatible with the stage of the tumor, surgeons try to carry out conservative interventions in order to preserve organ function and/or body image.
Restore organ function: the goal of reconstructive or restorative surgery is to restore organ function. an organ or physiological function.
Reduce symptoms: Palliative surgery helps relieve symptoms or preserve a vital function affected by the disease.
What are the indications for total or partial thyroidectomy?
Various thyroid pathologies, such as thyroid cancer, non-toxic multinodular goiter, hyperthyroidism, autoimmune Graves' disease and large benign nodules, require total or partial thyroidectomy .The following conditions may require a total or partial thyroidectomy:
Thyroid nodules suspected of malignancy: a partial or total thyroidectomy may be necessary to remove the tumor.
Large goiter: To relieve the symptoms of a large goiter that is compressing adjacent organs, a partial or total thyroidectomy can be performed. be necessary.
Graves' disease: To treat hyperthyroidism, a partial or total thyroidectomy may be necessary.
Large benign nodules: To remove the tumor, a partial or total thyroidectomy may be necessary.
Thyroid cancer: To remove the tumor, a partial or total thyroidectomy may be necessary.
How does the surgery take place?
The duration of total or partial thyroidectomy may vary depending on the disease being treated and the specificities of each patient. However, here is some general information about the surgery procedure:
Typically, surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
The duration of the procedure varies from one hour to three hours, but it depends on the complexity of the procedure and the pathology treated.
An incision is made in the neck by the surgeon to access the thyroid gland.
Removal of the thyroid gland: Depending on the pathology being treated, the surgeon can remove all or part of the thyroid gland.
Postoperative care: Patients should follow the doctor's instructions for postoperative care, which may include washing the neck with physiological serum.
The duration of hospitalization varies from a few hours to a few days depending on the pathology treated and the patient's recovery .
Replacement therapy: If a total thyroidectomy is performed, it is necessary to receive daily replacement therapy with thyroid hormones throughout throughout his life.
What is the duration of the intervention?
The duration of a total or partial thyroidectomy varies depending on the pathology being treated and the complexity of the procedure. Here is a general overview of the duration of the intervention:
The procedure generally lasts between one hour and three hours.
The duration of the intervention depends on the pathology being treated and its complexity.
In the event of thyroid cancer or a large goiter, the intervention may take longer.
In the event of a partial thyroidectomy, the duration of the procedure may be shorter.
What are the surgical consequences?
Total or partial thyroidectomy is generally a relatively painless and easily manageable procedure. However, pain, difficulty swallowing, dysphonia, temporary loss of voice, hypocalcemia, hypothyroidism, infection and other symptoms may occur in patients. Postoperative care, which may include neck washes with saline, should be given to patients by their physician.
What are the advantages ?
Total or partial thyroidectomy may have advantages depending on the pathology treated and the specificities of each patient. However, surgery may have some potential benefits:
Removal of the tumor: Thyroidectomy removes all or part of the thyroid gland, which can be beneficial for treat various thyroid pathologies, such as thyroid cancer, non-toxic multinodular goiter, hyperthyroidism, autoimmune Graves' disease and large benign nodules.
Reduced risk of recurrence: thyroidectomy can reduce the risk of recurrence of the treated pathology.
Improvement of symptoms: Thyroidectomy can relieve symptoms of compression of adjacent organs in cases of large goiter.
Thyroidectomy helps assess the stage of the disease and determine whether further treatment is needed.
Additional intervention: In the event of total thyroidectomy, iodotherapy can be administered in addition.
Preserve the capacity of the organ: When possible and compatible with the stage of the tumor, surgeons try to carry out conservative interventions in order to maintain organ function and/or body image.
Recovery of organ capacity: The goal of reconstructive or restorative surgery is to restore function or physiological function of an organ.
Symptom relief: Palliative surgery helps relieve symptoms or preserve a vital function that is affected by the disease .
What are the risks ?
Total or partial thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure that carries some risks, although fortunately these are rare. Risks may vary depending on the nature of the procedure and the patient's situation. Here is a list of possible risks:
Hematoma (accumulation of blood which forms in the operated area).
Infection.
Damage to nearby recurrent nerves, which can lead to dysphonia (difficulty speaking).
Damage to the parathyroid glands, which can lead to hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels).
Temporary or permanent change of voice.
Difficulty swallowing.
Pain in the scar area.
Hypothyroidism (decreased production of thyroid hormones).
Hyperthyroidism (increased production of thyroid hormones).
Risk of bleeding and hematoma formation, which may require emergency treatment.
How does recovery work and how long does it last?
Recovery after a total or partial thyroidectomy may vary depending on the procedure and the patient's situation. However, here are some general details about duration and recovery:
Recovery time varies, but depending on the nature of their job and the severity of the intervention, many people can return to work within one to two weeks.
After a total thyroidectomy, recovery usually takes two to four weeks.
After a partial thyroidectomy, recovery may take a week or less.
During the recovery period, patients may experience pain, fatigue and some stiffness in the neck.
During the recovery period, patients should avoid strenuous physical activity and follow their doctor's advice for recovery fast and complete.
If the thyroid gland is completely removed, patients must also take medications to replace thyroid hormones.