Thyroid surgery
A thyroidectomy is a surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower front part of the neck. It consists of two lobes, left and right, connected by a bridge of tissue called the isthmus. It produces hormones that regulate the functioning of many organs, as well as the overall metabolism of the body—from heart rate to calorie-burning speed.
Disorders of hormone secretion from the thyroid can be broadly categorized into two groups: hyperthyroidism (excess hormones) and hypothyroidism (lack of hormones). Other thyroid conditions include thyroid enlargements (goiters), which can occur with or without hormone secretion disorders. A special group of diseases are benign and malignant tumors, whose incidence has increased in recent years due to better detection capabilities and more frequent systematic examinations.
The extent of thyroid removal during thyroidectomy depends on the reason for the surgery. The surgery can range from the removal of one thyroid lobe (lobectomy), the removal of the entire thyroid gland (total thyroidectomy), the isthmus (isthmectomy), or most of the thyroid (subtotal thyroidectomy).
When is thyroid surgery recommended?
Indications for thyroid surgery include:
- Benign and malignant thyroid tumors
- Enlarged thyroid (goiters), including nodular (multinodular) goiters
- Cosmetic reasons
- Hormone secretion disorders that cannot be regulated with medication (toxic adenoma, hyperthyroidism)
- Suspicion of malignant disease that cannot be cytologically confirmed with certainty
- Pressure on the esophagus and trachea from an enlarged thyroid
Contact us with confidence.
SEND INQUIRYPreparation for thyroid surgery
Before deciding on thyroid surgery, detailed diagnostics are necessary, including thyroid ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration of any nodules, determination of thyroid hormones and TSH, and, if necessary, thyroid scintigraphy and neck CT. Thyroid surgery is performed under general anesthesia, which requires a consultation with our anesthesiologist, blood tests, and an EKG. The use of modern pain medications ensures the absence of pain after thyroid surgery.
Recovery after thyroid surgery
After thyroid surgery, it is recommended to reduce physical activity for a few days or weeks, depending on the extent of the procedure, to minimize the risk of postoperative bleeding or wound reopening.
After this period, the patient can return to normal activities. Sometimes, monitoring calcium and thyroid hormone levels in the blood will be necessary, and supplements may be required based on the results.
Diet after thyroid surgery
In the first days after surgery, avoid solid food that is difficult to swallow. Start with liquid and soft, mushy foods. If there is damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, swallowing liquid may sometimes cause choking, so smaller sips of thicker liquids (e.g., smoothies) are recommended.
Risks of surgery
- Postoperative bleeding, which usually occurs in the first hours after the procedure and sometimes requires revision in the operating room
- Wound infection and fluid accumulation in the wound (seroma)
- Injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve: it can be temporary or permanent. Since this nerve is responsible for vocal cord function, the consequence can be hoarseness, breathing difficulties, or swallowing problems
- Injury to the parathyroid glands, which are responsible for regulating calcium levels in the body. The result is reduced calcium levels in the blood, requiring at least temporary supplementation with calcium and vitamin D3 tablets, and in severe cases, intravenous supplementation.
After total thyroidectomy, it is necessary to replace thyroid hormones, achieved with an individually determined dose of hormone tablets for life. After thyroid lobectomy, hormone replacement is usually not required, except in rare cases.
Consultations as preparation for surgery
Contact us with confidence and schedule your consultation with Dr. Juraj Lukinović. If you have additional questions and concerns, contact us by phone at +385 1 5005 970 or email us at info@sinteza.hr.
Cost of thyroid surgery
For more information on the cost of the procedure, check the current price list of the Sinteza Polyclinic. Contact us by phone at +385 1 5005 970 or via email at info@sinteza.hr for more information. For direct appointment reservations, click on the link.
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