Thyroid Surgery

Treatment for Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid surgery is intended to remove part or all of the thyroid gland. Usually, the part of the gland that is removed is the part containing the lump, and sometimes the isthmus. During the procedure a frozen section that returns an immediate reading will determine how much of the thyroid needs to be removed. Sometimes none of it will be removed and sometimes all of it will be removed.

Immediately after the surgery, for the first 24 hours you will most likely have a tiny tube in place to drain fluid and blood from the wound. Once the fluids are stabilized, the tube may be removed.

As with any surgery, complications may arise, such as:
– Bleeding
– Trouble swallowing
– Numbness
– Vocal cord paralysis
– Low blood calcium
– A hoarse voice

After surgery you may need to take certain medication such as a thyroid hormone replacement or a calcium and/or Vitamin D replacement.