Subtotal thyroidectomy: procedure, safety, side effects, and benefits

Definition

What is the thyroid gland?

The thyroid gland is a gland in the neck that produces the hormone thyroxine which plays a role in regulating the body's metabolism. The activity of these glands can become overactive causing several symptoms, such as weight loss, sweating, and eye problems. This condition is called thyrotoxicosis.

When should I have a subtotal thyroidectomy?

Subtotal thyroidectomy is an operation that removes the thyroid gland but leaves a small amount of thyroid tissue. This is done to maintain some thyroid function so that the thyroid hormone levels produced by the gland can decrease to normal or low levels.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before undergoing a subtotal thyroidectomy?

After having a lobectomy or subtotal thyroidectomy, you may develop hypothyroidism and will need to take thyroid medication for life.

Are there alternatives to surgery?

Medicines, such as carbimazole or propylthiouracil, can be used to control thyroid activity. In addition, some people can also use radioactive iodine.

Process

What should I do before undergoing a subtotal thyroidectomy?

Thyroid surgery is performed in a hospital. You will need to fast for a few hours after the operation until midnight. After arriving at the hospital, you will be prepared for the operating room. Before the surgery, the surgeon will do a brief examination and answer any questions you may be asked. Apart from the surgeon, you will also meet an anesthetist who will provide anesthesia as needed.

How is the subtotal thyroidectomy process?

This operation is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes 90 minutes to two hours. The surgeon will make an incision in the neck in one fold of skin, then remove part or all of the thyroid gland.

What should I do after having had a subtotal thyroidectomy?

After surgery, you will be allowed to go home after one to two days. The wound will probably heal after two weeks and you can return to work and activities. Regular exercise has also been shown to speed up the healing process. But before deciding to exercise, you should ask a doctor for advice. Usually, you will receive a scheduled visit to the next clinic. The surgeon will discuss any further medications or treatments you may need.

Complications

What complications can occur?

Every surgical procedure has its own risks, as does a subtotal thyroidectomy. The surgeon will explain all kinds of risks that may occur after surgery. Common complications that can occur after surgery are the after effects of anesthesia, excessive bleeding, and infection.

The specific risks of thyroidectomy are rare, but the most common risks are:

repeated laryngeal nerve damage (this nerve is connected to the vocal cords)

damage to the parathyroid glands (glands that control calcium levels in the body)
Low levels of calcium can easily be treated with supplement intake, but treatment should be started as soon as possible. Make sure you tell your doctor any time you feel nervous or agitated or if your muscles start twitching. These symptoms are a sign of low calcium in the body.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.