Also called as
Total thyroidectomy
Partial thyroidectomy
Thyroidectomy

Definition
Total thyroidectomy removes the entire gland.
Subtotal or partial thyroidectomy removes part of the thyroid gland.

Normal anatomy
                                                    



The thyroid gland, a part of the endocrine (hormone) system, plays a major role in regulating the body's metabolism.

Description
             General anesthesia is given for Thyroidectomy. Sometimes it is done with regional anesthesia (awake, but pain-free). The surgeon makes a cut in the neck and locates the gland. All or part of the thyroid gland, depending on the particular procedure, is removed.
Indications
Thyroidectomy may be recommended for the following:
Thyrotoxicosis
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) with enlargement of the gland
Cancer of the thyroid
Hashimoto's disease (a type of hypothyroidism)
Thyroid swelling (nontoxic goiter)
             The procedure may also be done if a patient with hyperthyroidism does not want to have radioactive iodine treatment and cannot be treated with anti-thyroid medications.

Risks
Risks for any anesthesia include the following:
Reactions to medications
Problems breathing

Risks for any surgery include the following:
Bleeding
Infection

Additional risks for thyroidectomy include the following:
Injury to the adjacent parathyroid glands
Bleeding and possible airway obstruction
Temporary or permanent loss of ability to speak due to paralysis of the vocal chords
Inadequate thyroid function (hypothyroidism)
Inadequate level of calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia)

Procedure

                          

The thyroid gland is removed. Either one lobe of the thyroid gland, or the entire gland, is removed, depending on the disease process being treated.

Expectations after surgery
             When performed by experienced endocrine surgeons, the outcome of thyroid surgery is usually excellent. Thyroid function tests may need to continue following thyroid surgery, and thyroid hormone replacement maybe necessary.

Convalescence
             In general, patients recover rapidly from uncomplicated thyroid surgery. Most patients are able to resume most normal activities within 1-2 weeks.

Reference:MedlinePlus