Q: 2) What are the types of thyroidectomy?

There are three ways to perform thyroidectomy: Conventional thyroidectomy: It involves making an incision in the center of the neck to directly access the thyroid gland. Endoscopic thyroidectomy: This method uses smaller incisions in the neck. Surgical instruments and a small video camera are inserted through these incisions, and the camera guides your surgeon through the procedure. Robotic thyroidectomy: This is performed either through incisions in your chest and armpit or via an incision high in your neck. The robotic approach allows a thyroidectomy to be performed while avoiding an incision in the center of the patient's neck.

Question 1

1) What is thyroidectomy?

Accepted Answer

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of your neck and composed of two cone-like lobes or wings. The gland regulates metabolism by secreting hormones, and when diseases affect the thyroid, its size or activity may become abnormal. Thyroidectomy is the removal of all or part of your abnormal thyroid gland.

Question 2

2) What are the types of thyroidectomy?

Accepted Answer

There are three ways to perform thyroidectomy:

Conventional thyroidectomy: It involves making an incision in the center of the neck to directly access the thyroid gland.
Endoscopic thyroidectomy: This method uses smaller incisions in the neck. Surgical instruments and a small video camera are inserted through these incisions, and the camera guides your surgeon through the procedure.
Robotic thyroidectomy: This is performed either through incisions in your chest and armpit or via an incision high in your neck. The robotic approach allows a thyroidectomy to be performed while avoiding an incision in the center of the patient's neck.

Question 3

3) How long does it take for thyroid surgery?

Accepted Answer

Total thyroidectomy procedures can take 3 to 4 hours, in most cases. The surgeon makes a small incision in the front of the neck and must carefully work around vital structures, such as the vocal nerves.

Question 4

4) What are the risks of a thyroidectomy?

Accepted Answer

Bleeding or infection
Difficulty breathing
Permanent hoarseness or weak voice
Injury to parathyroid glands that can cause low blood calcium levels and sometimes muscle spasms or
other neuromuscular symptoms.

Question 5

5) What are the side effects of a thyroidectomy?

Accepted Answer

Common Post-Surgery side effects are:

Neck tension and tenderness
Voice problems
Swallowing problems
Irritated windpipe
Less Common Post-Surgery complications are:
Hematoma
Decreased Parathyroid Hormone activity
Recurrent Laryngeal nerve injury

Question 6

6) Will you feel pain after the operation?

Accepted Answer

All operations involve some pain and discomfort, but most patients are surprised at how comfortablevthey feel after the thyroidectomy. Although the patient should be able to eat and drink normally, thevmain complaint is a sore throat and trouble with swallowing. Most patients have a prescription for thevfirst few days in case they need it, but beware prescription pain medicine can make a person drowsy and constipated.

Question 7

7) Does the patient has any physical restrictions after his or her surgery?

Accepted Answer

In general, the activity level depends on the amount of discomfort the patient experience. Most people return to work in a week or two and are allowed to drive as soon as their head can be turned comfortably without prescription pain pills, limitation for driver safety.

Question 8

8) How long will you be hospitalized?

Accepted Answer

Most patients are admitted to the hospital on the morning of their thyroidectomy and are able to go home the next day but patients with thyroid cancer or overactive thyroids sometimes stay two days.

Question 9

9) Who needs thyroidectomy?

Accepted Answer

People who have:

Thyroid cancer
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland)
Large goiters causing symptomatic obstruction such as swallowing or breathing difficulties.
Multi-nodular Goiter.

Question 10

10) Are there any dietary restrictions following the surgery?

Accepted Answer

The patient should resume a normal balanced diet as tolerated and must drink plenty of fluids.

Question 11

11) What type of anesthesia is given before thyroidectomy?

Accepted Answer

The patient is given general anesthesia and will be completely asleep during the operation.

Question 12

12) What is the Cost of thyroidectomy in India?

Accepted Answer

The cost of thyroidectomy in India varies across different cities and hospitals.

Cost of Thyroidectomy in India
CITY	COST
Cost of Thyroidectomy in Mumbai	INR 60000- INR 65000
Cost of Thyroidectomy in Bangalore	INR 59000- INR 64000
Cost of Thyroidectomy in Delhi	INR 59000- INR 64000
Cost of Thyroidectomy in Chennai	INR 58000- INR 63000

Question 13

Q. Who performs a thyroidectomy?

Accepted Answer

A. Thyroidectomy procedure is performed by a general surgeon.

Question 14

Q. Can thyroid problems recur after thyroidectomy?

Accepted Answer

A. Yes, thyroid problems may recur after thyroidectomy. The possibility of the thyroid gland growing back or the recurrence of benign (non-cancerous) or cancerous disorders of the thyroid gland is about 5 to 20% depending on the disease.

Question 15

Q. How long will it take to recover after a thyroidectomy?

Accepted Answer

A. The patient is usually discharged from the hospital one or two days after surgery. Normally, the patient can resume work within a week, but strenuous physical activities should be avoided for at least two to three weeks. Complete recovery may take up to three to four months.

Question 16

Q. Is partial thyroidectomy preferred over total thyroidectomy?

Accepted Answer

A. Partial thyroidectomy is the partial removal of the thyroid gland, whereas, total thyroidectomy involves the complete removal of the thyroid gland. Partial thyroidectomy is preferred over total thyroidectomy as it decreases the patient’s overall need for TSH, thyroxine, and other supplements. However, a patient undergoing total thyroidectomy will need daily hormonal supplements to replace the natural function of the thyroid gland.

Question 17

Q. What is the life expectancy of a person who has undergone a thyroidectomy?

Accepted Answer

A. Thyroidectomy has no effect on the life expectancy of a person. The quality of life of the person undergoing thyroidectomy could be slightly lower after surgery, however, certain medications and supplements will be prescribed to make the after-effects of the surgery manageable.

Question 18

Q. What is the best sleeping position after thyroidectomy?

Accepted Answer

A. The head of the bed should be elevated at 30 to 45 degrees or you should sleep in a recliner at 30 to 45 degrees for the first three to four days after surgery to reduce swelling.

Question 19

Q. Is it normal to have a cough and sore throat after thyroidectomy?

Accepted Answer

A. Yes, it is normal to have a sore throat and cough that lasts for up to five days after surgery. A soft diet and the use of lozenges may be useful to relieve the soreness. It is also normal to feel like there is a phlegm in your throat and that you need to cough. This occurs due to the irritation of the tube in the windpipe during surgery.

Question 20

Q. Can I sneeze after a thyroidectomy?

Accepted Answer

A. You should try to avoid sneezing for the first few weeks after thyroidectomy. If you feel like sneezing, let it come out of the mouth like a cough. Avoid excessive coughing as well after surgery.

Thyroidectomy

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

There are several types of surgeries that can be carried out in order to cure the disorders of the thyroid such as:

Risks

After Procedure

Thyroidectomy from one of the best multi-speciality hospital: Fortis La Femme Greater Kailash, Greater Kailash II, New Delhi

Dr. Deepa Tayal