Thyroidectomy
| Normal anatomy |
|
The thyroid gland, a part of the endocrine (hormone ) system,
plays a major role in regulating the body's metabolism.
|
| Indications |
|
Thyroidectomy may be recommended for:
- Increased thyroid function (hyperthyroidism;
thyrotoxicosis)
- Decreased thyroid function (hypothyroidism) with enlargement
(hypertrophy) of the gland
- Primary cancer of the thyroid
- Enlargement of the thyroid (nontoxic goiter)
|
| Incision |
|
While the patient is deep asleep and pain-free (general
anesthesia), an incision is made in the front of the neck.
|
| 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.
|
| Aftercare |
|
The results of thyroid surgery are usually excellent. Monitoring
of thyroid hormone production may continue for some months after
the operation. Patients need to take supplemental thyroid hormone
after complete thyroidectomy.
|
Review Date: 7/22/2008
Reviewed By: Shimul A. Shah, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery,
University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA. Review
provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David
Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any
medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical
condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for
diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911
for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for
information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those
other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the
information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
