Your thyroid is one of several endocrine glands in your body. Endocrine glands produce and regulate hormones, which are specialized chemicals that control virtually every bodily function, from metabolism to libido.
The thyroid in particular controls metabolism, heart rate, and other essential functions. But an estimated 20 million Americans have thyroid disease, and their thyroids don’t function as they should.
Thyroid disease is an umbrella medical term that includes hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, enlarged thyroid (goiter), Hashimoto’s disease, and thyroid cancer, to name a few. There are a variety of treatment options available for these conditions, but sometimes, thyroid removal surgery may be the best solution.
Also known as thyroidectomy, thyroid removal surgery is one of the most common endocrine surgeries. In the United States, surgeons perform nearly 150,000 thyroidectomies each year, and it can be a very effective treatment for certain types of thyroid disease.
If you’ve been told that you need thyroid surgery, you’ve come to the right place. Balaguru Sambandam, MD, FACS, is an endocrine surgeon specializing in thyroidectomy. Read on to learn what to expect after you have your thyroid removed.
Thyroid removal surgery requires general anesthesia and typically takes 1-2 hours from start to finish. After our team prepares you for the procedure, Dr. Sambandam makes a small incision in your neck, near your thyroid.
Depending on your condition, Dr. Sambandam may remove part or all of your thyroid gland during the procedure. After carefully removing the damaged or diseased thyroid tissue, he closes the incision and you’re moved into a recovery room.
Most people stay in the hospital for one night after thyroidectomy. The procedure is generally safe and straightforward, but some side effects are common during recovery. In the days after surgery, you may experience hoarseness, neck pain, or a sore throat.
Our team gives you at-home care instructions when you’re ready to leave the hospital. Typically, we recommend resting for a few days and reintroducing light activity over the first week. You should avoid strenuous activity for at least one week.
As you recover, expect to have regular checkups with Dr. Sambandam and our team. We’re here to answer your questions and help you get back into your usual routine safely.
You may have a scar on your neck once all the bandages are removed and your skin heals. However, many people find that their thyroidectomy scars fade significantly within a year or so.
Long-term care after thyroidectomy depends on the type of surgery that you had. If Dr. Sambandam removed only a portion of your thyroid, you may or may not need to take thyroid medication.
If he had to remove your entire thyroid, you must take thyroid medication for the rest of your life. Thyroid medication replaces the essential hormones that your thyroid no longer makes.
Thyroidectomy is a safe and effective treatment option for goiters, thyroid cancer, and other types of thyroid disease. Medication management after surgery helps eliminate long-lasting side effects, so you can continue enjoying better health.
Are you weighing the pros and cons of surgery to treat your thyroid disease? It’s time to talk to a specialist. Contact us online today, or call the office to schedule a visit with Dr. Sambandam any time.
