For people with hyperthyroidism, the doctor will administer medications to keep thyroid hormones in balance during and after surgery. In the operating room, you will be in a semi-seated position, with or without your chin tilted back and with support under your neck and shoulders. Most thyroidectomies are performed under general anesthesia, meaning you are asleep and pain-free during the procedure.
The surgeon makes a small incision in the skin of the neck as close to a natural crease as possible to reduce the appearance of the scar. The surgeon parts a thin layer of muscle to gain access to the thyroid gland, then removes one or both lobes of the thyroid gland as well as any nearby lymph nodes that may be affected by disease. The surgeon then returns the muscles of the front of the neck to their proper position and secures them in place.
The skin is closed with sutures or glue. A newer technique involves accessing the thyroid gland through the mouth. If only part of your thyroid is removed, the remaining portion typically takes over the function of the entire thyroid gland. So you might not need thyroid hormone therapy. If your entire thyroid is removed, your body can't make thyroid hormone. Without replacement, you'll develop signs and symptoms of underactive thyroid hypothyroidism.
Therefore, you'll need to take a pill every day that contains the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine Synthroid, Unithroid, others. This hormone replacement is identical to the hormone normally made by your thyroid gland and performs all of the same functions. Your doctor will test your blood to know how much thyroid hormone replacement you need. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version.
This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Thyroid gland Open pop-up dialog box Close. Thyroid gland Your thyroid gland is located at the base of your neck, just below the Adam's apple. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Townsend CM Jr, et al. Philadelphia, Pa. Accessed July 6, If the surgeon removes only part of the thyroid, there is an 80 percent chance that the remainder of the gland will start producing enough hormone, and a person will not need replacement medication.
However, if the thyroid gland was underactive hypothyroidism , and a person was already taking thyroid hormone replacement, they will likely need to continue taking it after surgery. Most people can return to their regular activities the day after thyroid removal surgery.
Limit participation in physical activities or sports for a few days or weeks , or until a doctor says it is safe to start again. A person will likely have a sore throat for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can usually reduce the pain.
If the pain is severe, a doctor might prescribe a stronger pain reliever. A person should notify their doctor if they experience hoarseness in their voice or difficulty breathing. Thyroid removal surgery can treat a range of problems. The risk of complications is low, but a person may need to take thyroid hormone replacement medication for the rest of their life.
A doctor will provide detailed instructions on how to prepare for the surgery and support a smooth recovery. The thyroid gland in the neck produces hormones that are vital for many bodily functions.
Thyroid nodules are lumps that can occur in an otherwise…. Frozen section is NOT useful for follicular adenoma, indeterminate, or non-diagnostic biopsy results.
You will be seen by the anesthesiologist at least one week prior to your surgery for a preoperative check. At this appointment there may be blood or other tests done to prepare you for your surgery. If you take blood thinning medications, such as aspirin, Plavix, ibuprofen, or Coumadin, you will need to contact the prescribing physician to discuss stopping these medications prior to your surgery.
It is highly unlikely that you will require a blood transfusion during your thyroidectomy, and therefore not medically necessary to donate autologous or designated donor blood prior to your surgery. Most patients only spend a maximum of one night in the hospital. There is no guarantee for a private room. The incision is about inches in length, and is placed in the midline of the neck in a normal skin crease to minimize scarring and visibility.
There will be Steristrips or surgical glue on your incision. These can be removed days following your operation. There is no need to place any further dressing on your incision. You may use vitamin E oil or similar product to help the healing process, but it is NOT necessary. You may take a shower and get it slightly wet but not soaking wet. If you have had a total thyroidectomy, you will need to take thyroid hormone Levoxyl or Synthroid for the rest of your life because you no longer have a thyroid gland to supply the necessary hormone.
Thyroid hormone has a long half-life and it takes about weeks from starting or changing your medication dose to determine if you need a change in dosage. In general, once you are on the correct dose you remain on the same dose for life. If you become pregnant, your dose will most likely need to be increased. If your calcium level is low or you have symptoms of low blood calcium, you may have to take calcium supplementation following thyroidectomy.
You can resume regular activity as tolerated. Walking outside, going up and down stairs, and performing light activities are all encouraged. Avoid strenuous activity or lifting anything that weighs 10 pounds or more until you feel up to it.
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