Thyroid surgery may be deemed necessary in the following cases:
- In the presence of one or more enlargements (nodules) within the thyroid, where there is significant suspicion of carcinoma.
- In diffuse enlargement (goiter) of the gland when it:
- Compresses the trachea and esophagus, causing difficulty in breathing and swallowing.
- Causes aesthetic problems due to its large size.
- Is suspected of containing cancer.
- In excessive production of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism) that cannot be controlled with medication.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia with a small incision made at the front of the neck, just above the gland. The ‘camouflaging’ of the incision within a skin fold of the neck and the careful suturing with plastic surgery techniques at the end of the procedure ensures an excellent aesthetic result. In total thyroidectomy, the entire gland is removed, while in partial thyroidectomy, typically one lobe (either the right or left) is removed.
It is of critical importance during the surgery to identify and preserve the anatomical and functional integrity of the laryngeal nerves (recurrent and superior laryngeal nerves), which are responsible for the movement of the vocal cords. The use of a specialized nerve stimulator to monitor these nerves during surgery significantly reduces the risk of injury.
Additionally, recognizing and preserving the parathyroid glands is extremely important. These are four small glands located at the back of the thyroid, playing a key role in regulating calcium and phosphorus levels in the human body.
The hospital stay is typically 1-2 days. A small tube (drain) placed along the incision line is usually removed the day after surgery. Blood calcium levels are checked on the evening of the surgery and the following day. The sutures used are typically absorbable, so they do not require removal. The patient can usually return to work in about two weeks. If a total thyroidectomy has been performed, lifelong hormone replacement with a special pill is necessary.