Thyroid surgery is used to treat thyroid nodules, thryoid cancer and hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid nodules are very common, and are frequently evaluated by a combination of blood tests to determine thyroid hormone levels, Thyroid ultrasound, as well as, frequently ultrasound directed needle biopsies.

Many nodules can be evaluated and safely followed however surgical removal is indicated when nodules have enlarged and are causing difficulties with swallowing or breathing. If ultrasound biopsy results indicate the possibility of thyroid cancer or if an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) is amenable to medical or radioactive iodine treatment removal of part or all of the thyroid may be advisable.

Surgical removal of the thyroid (thyroidectomy) may involve taking the entire thyroid or only onelobe. The thyroid is made up of two lobes connected by a narrow band of thyroid tissue called the isthmus.

Total removal of the thyroid is indicated in most cases of thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism. Lobectomy (removal of the left or right portion of thyroid) is performed when needle biopsy is suspicious for but doesn't confirm thyroid cancer or in cases where a large nodule is causing symptoms from compression but the opposite lobe is normal.

As with all surgery, thyroidectomy carries risks. In removal of the thyroid we have to be careful of nerves which control the vocal cords and preserve parathyroid gland which are present in close proximity behind the thyroid. Permanent injury of nerves to vocal cords or parathyroid glands is rare in our hand and in hand of other experienced thyroid surgeons. Temporary hoarseness and slight temporary decrease in calcium levels after thyroid surgery are common but are usually temporary and brief.

Thyroidectomy is generally safe and lightly successful in controlling the conditions described above. Recovery from surgery usually involves staying one night in the hospital and avoiding strenuous activities for several days after the procedure. Many patients return to work in a week or less.

When totaly thyroidectomy is necessary, and in some cases where only a portion of the thyroid is removed, patients will need to be on thyroid hormones previously made by the the thyroid gland. Selections of appropriate does require blood work periodically. With proper thyroid hormone replacement, thyroidectomy will not affect ones lifestyle or activities and doesn' result in weight gain..