Normal anatomy
The thyroid gland, a part of the endocrine (hormone ) system, plays a major role in regulating the body's metabolism.
Indications
Removal of the thyroid may be recommended for:
- Increased thyroid function (hyperthyroidism; thyrotoxicosis)
- Cancer of the thyroid
- Enlargement of the thyroid (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 for life after complete thyroidectomy.
