What you need to know about:

Thyroidectomy

Fast Fact

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Average Cost:

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Recovery Period:

1-2 nights in hospital

Permanence:

Depends on patient condition

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Doctors

Time it takes:

1-2 hours

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Anesthetize:

Regional or Local anesthetic

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Overview of

Thyroidectomy

in Thailand

A thyroidectomy is often done in patients with large nodules who receive thyroxine and the nodules continue to grow and put pressure on the airway or esophagus, making it difficult to breathe and swallow. A thyroidectomy may also be done for cancer as well as aesthetic reasons. Thel procedure involes the removal of all or part of the thyroid gland and used to treat diseases of the thyroid gland.The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck. It is divided into two sections or lobes that lay against the sides of the esophagus, connected by a bridge (isthmus). The thyroid produces the hormone thyroxine, which is in charge of the body’s metabolic system (the energy system). A thyroidectomy is traditionally a minimally invasive surgery performed through a small horizontal incision in the front of the neck. The entire thyroid gland may be removed or just a single lobe, a portion of a lobe and the isthmus or other structures. Depending on the extent of the operation, patients may need to take the drug levothyroxine, an oral synthetic thyroid hormone.

Goals of

Thyroidectomy

The most common reason patients are referred for thyroid surgery is after an evaluation for a thyroid nodule (see Thyroid Nodule brochure).

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Surgery is also an option for the treatment of the following diseases:

-Thyroid cancer

-Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland)

-Large goiters or thyroid nodules causing symptomatic obstruction such as swallowing or breathing difficulties.

-Multi-nodular Goiter

Price of

Thyroidectomy

Average Cost

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Price Range

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Pros and cons of

Thyroidectomy

Pros

-Gold standard for treating thyroid cancer

-Patients will have the benefit of not having to worry about thyroid problems occurring in the future

Cons

-Patients will mostly have to take hormonal medications for the rest of their life. -Risks will depending on the type of operation carried out.

How it works:

Thyroidectomy

The patient will be placed under general anesthesia and incisions will be made in the neck to remove the thyroid. The incisions will then be sutured close.

Preparation before

Thyroidectomy

Pre - treatment

A thyroidectomy is performed under general anesthesia, which requires additional testing, including blood tests, chest x-ray, and electrocardiogram (EKG) to ensure that the patient can safely undergo the procedure. The patient will be asked to avoid food and water for at least six hours before the surgery or as recommended by the doctor. If the patient is not feeling well and has an infection or a cold, the procedure may be postponed. The patient should get enough sleep the night before the procedure. Certain medications will have to be stopped weeks before the surgery, such as products containing aspirin and other anticoagulants. Please inform your doctor of all medication that you take regularly well in advance of the procedure. The patient will have to stay at the hospital one night before the procedure so the anesthesiologist can prepare the patient for surgery. The night before surgery the patient’s skin will be prepared. The patient will have to fast after midnight to prevent aspiration when under general anesthesia.

Recovery after

Thyroidectomy

Post - treatment

A patient who undergoes a total thyroidectomy will have to take thyroxine for the rest of their life. The patient must undergo regular blood tests to ensure that thyroxine levels are maintained. A patient who undergoes a partial thyroidectomy, but whose remaining thyroid does not function normally, will also need to take thyroxine. Keep the bandage dry for at least 48 hours after the surgery. Contact the doctor or hospital immediately if the surgical site becomes red and /or painful.

Risks & side effects

A thyroidectomy is considered safe, but as with all surgery, there are complications that occur infrequently and are usually temporary. The procedure can sometimes affect the nerves of the larynx, which is located close to the thyroid. This can cause hoarseness which will improve after three days to two weeks. Some patients may never be able to sing very high notes after that. Total thyroidectomy can affect the parathyroid, which regulates the calcium levels in the body. The patient may need to take calcium and Vitamin D supplements to maintain the appropriate calcium levels. Some patients may have to take these supplements permanently and must undergo regular blood tests. However, this complication does not occur during partial thyroidectomy. Bleeding under the incisions can cause swelling and some patients may have to undergo another surgery to stop the bleeding and drain the collected blood. This is a rare complication. Infection, which will require antibiotics.

FAQs:

Thyroidectomy

What are the recommendations for travel for this procedure?

If you are taking any blood-thinning medication/anticoagulant, please let your doctor know as some may need to be stopped before you travel for the procedure. Travelers to Thailand should plan to stay in the country for at least two to five days after the procedure, depending on their condition after surgery, or for the entire duration of treatment. If you plan to return home after the procedure, please speak to your doctor before making travel arrangements. There are no restrictions for air travel. During your follow-up appointment your medical team will assess your health and your incision and you will receive documents detailing your medical and treatment history and your "Fit to Fly" certificate (if needed).

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What are thyroid nodules?

Most thyroid nodules are benign (non-cancerous) and only a small percentage are cancerous. 1.Benign nodules include: 1.1 Cysts or fluid-filled lumps 1.2 Ordinary nodules within the thyroid that are usually small and don’t place pressure on nearby organs 1.3 Nodules that occur due to inflammation or infection of the thyroid, such as abscesses 2. Malignant tumors or thyroid cancer These may originate from the thyroid or are metastatic cancer from another part of the body. The appearance, size, and growth rate of cancerous nodules depend on the pathology of the cells. Some cancerous thyroid nodules grow very quickly and will push against nearby organs and the cancer cells will spread to nearby lymph nodes.

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What medications will I need to be one once I have my Thyroid removed?

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 6-8 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. Management of your thyroid hormone is done through blood test (TSH) by your Endocrinologist or Primary Care Physician. If your calcium level is low or you have symptoms of low blood calcium, you may have to take calcium supplementation following thyroidectomy.

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