What is thyroidectomy and what are the risk factors associated with it?

Thyroidectomy is basically a surgical procedure which is used to remove parts of the thyroid gland or the entire thyroid gland based upon the condition of the patient. Thyroid gland looks like a butterfly shaped gland which is located in the front side of the neck. The main function of it is to producethyroid hormone that helps in controlling metabolic activities in the body. People who suffer from thyroid disorders or diseases usually require thyroidectomy. Further, individuals who suffer from cancerous or non cancerous tissues present in thyroid gland, have goiter, hyperthyroidism might also require this kind of surgery. This does not mean that if anybody has a thyroid related issue then they must go for thyroidectomy as there are medications and other treatments that help with several thyroid related diseases and disorders.Thyroidectomy helps in treating disorders and after removal of the thyroid gland it is replaced by thyroid hormone externally by the doctor so that the body's function takes place properly.

Different types of thyroid surgery:

There are several different type of thyroid surgery but some of the common surgery might include:

Lobectomy: Lobectomy is required when half of the thyroid gland nodule is affected by inflammation or swelling. In this case the doctor removes only one of the two lobes so that the parts which are not removed perform its function properly.

Total thyroidectomy: As the name suggests this type of surgery removes the entire thyroid gland and the thyroid tissue. It is used in severe cases where the swelling and inflammation affects the entire thyroid gland or in case of a tumor or cancer.

Subtotalthyroidectomy: In subtotal thyroidectomy the doctors remove the thyroid gland but leave behind some amount of thyroid tissue in order to preserve some thyroid function. In this type of case, the patients usually develop hypothyroidism as the body does not produce enough thyroid hormone. They require external hormone supplements in order to maintain the function of the body.

Who requires thyroidectomy?

Conditions which may require removal of the thyroid gland or thyroidectomy are

• Tumor or thyroid cancer is one of the most common reasons for which the doctor recommends thyroidectomy. In this the surgeon removes the entire thyroid gland in order to minimize the risk of recurrence of cancer.
• In cases of severe hyperthyroidism where the thyroid gland produces too much of thyroxine and it can't be treated with medication in such cases also doctors may recommendthyroidectomy.
• Goiter is another condition in which parts of the thyroid gland or the entire gland may be removed in order to treat the condition so that the person can swallow and breathe easily.
• Thyroid nodules can be cancerous or noncancerous but in order to know, the doctor requires a biopsy. If the nodule is cancerous then thyroidectomy may be required.

Risk factors associated with thyroidectomy:

Every surgical procedure has some risk associated with it similarly thyroidectomy also consists of few risk factors some of which might include:

• Sore throat
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Change in voice
• Hoarseness
• Scars in the esophagus
• Injury to esophagus or windpipe
• Hypoparathyroidism
• Need for another surgery
• Worsening of goiter
• Acute respiratory distress
• Injury to recurrent laryngeal nerve
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Difficulty in speaking

How can we help with the treatment?

If you are looking for Thyroidectomy treatment in India then be assured as our team will assist you and guide you through the entire process of your medical treatment.

The following will be provided to you:

• Expert oncologist, surgeon, physician and doctors
• Transparent communication
• Coordinated assistance at all times
• Prior appointments with specialists and follow up queries
• Assistance with medical tests
• Assistance in follow up queries
• Assistance with hospital formalities
• 24*7 availability
• Assistance with therapies
• Rehabilitation
• Travel arrangements
• Assistance for accommodation and healthy recovery
• Assistance in emergencies

Our team offers you the highest quality health trips and after care for our patients. Further, we have a team of dedicated health personnel who are always available and ready to assist you throughout your medical journey.