Thyroidectomy
What is a thyroidectomy?
A thyroidectomy involves removal of a part or whole of the thyroid gland.
Depending on the indication for surgery, a total thyroidectomy involves complete removal. A hemithyroidectomy involves partial removal of the gland.
How long am I in hospital?
Inpatient hospital stay is generally 1-2 days, depending on the amount of the gland that is removed.
Patients are able to be up and about the day of surgery, and are allowed to eat and drink as normal after surgery.
The procedure is well tolerated and most people require only paracetamol for pain relief.
Will I have a scar after a thyroidectomy?
Every attempt is made to hide the scar in the skin creases of the neck. The wounds heal well, and within a week, the wound is healed.
With time, the scar fades and is incorporated into the skin crease.
What reasons are there for surgery on the thyroid?
Indications for thyroidectomy include:
Cancer
Goitre (with or without symptoms of trouble swallowing, shortness of breath)
Large thyroid nodule
Graves’ disease
Overactive thyroid nodule.