THYROIDECTOMY – Southwest Surgical Associates

What is thyroidectomy?

Thyroidectomy is surgery to remove part or all of your thyroid gland. This small gland sits at the base of your neck and is responsible for producing hormones, the chemical messengers that control your heart rate, metabolism, and many other body functions.

You might need a thyroidectomy if you have thyroid conditions that aren’t treatable with medications, such as:

Goiter (enlarged thyroid)
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
Thyroid cancer
Cancerous or noncancerous thyroid nodules

Southwest Surgical Associates offers physical exams and on-site diagnostic testing services to determine if surgery is the right treatment option for your condition. They can also determine if you’re healthy enough to receive anesthesia and can tolerate surgery.

What happens during a thyroidectomy?

During a thyroidectomy, your Southwest Surgical Associates surgeon makes a small incision in the center of your neck to access and remove part or all of your thyroid gland. They focus on making the cut in the natural crease of your neck to minimize your risk of visible scars.

If you’re having surgery to treat thyroid cancer, the surgeons may also assess nearby lymph nodes to see if the cancer is spreading. If there is evidence of cancer in the lymph nodes, your surgeon may remove them during your thyroidectomy.

After your surgery is complete, your surgeon closes the incision with sutures. They may also apply a clean dressing to prevent infection.

You may be able to go home on the same day as your surgery to start your recovery. However, some people may need to spend a day or two in the hospital for observation.

How long does it take to recover from a thyroidectomy?

Immediately after surgery, you should be able to eat and drink without limitations. You may have a hoarse voice or sore throat, and the Southwest Surgical Associates providers can help you manage any discomfort the incisions cause.

You may be able to return to light activities a day or two after surgery but should avoid strenuous exercise for two weeks so your body has time to heal.

If you have a complete thyroidectomy and your surgeon removes the entire gland, you will need to take synthetic hormones for the rest of your life to balance your hormone levels.

If your surgeon removes only part of your thyroid, the remaining part can compensate and produce enough hormones to maintain your health. In some cases, you may still need to take hormone therapy to prevent complications.

To find out if you’re a candidate for a thyroidectomy, call the Southwest Surgical Associates office near you today or book an appointment online.

Thyroidectomy Surgery

Every year, about 45,000 people in the United States develop thyroid cancer and need a thyroidectomy as part of their treatment plan. At Southwest Surgical Associates, the skilled surgeons use advanced surgical techniques to remove part or all of your thyroid gland to prevent cancer from spreading.

They also provide complete after-care services, including hormone replacement therapy to keep your hormone levels balanced. To schedule a thyroidectomy consultation, call the office in Katy, Houston, Pearland, Sugar Land, or Cypress, Texas, today or book an appointment online.