Thyroid Nodules
Thyroid nodules are common growths within the thyroid gland. Nodules affect nearly half of all people by the age of 60. About 90% of all nodules are benign and about 10% are malignant. Both benign and malignant nodules can become problematic and may ultimately require intervention.
Learn More About Thyroid Nodules Here
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thyroid Surgery
Thyroid surgery is an operation to remove part or all of the affected thyroid gland. It is performed under general anesthesia at either the surgery center or the hospital. Common surgical procedures include:
- Thyroid lobectomy - removal of half the thyroid
- Total thyroidectomy - removal of the entire thyroid
- Isthmusectomy - removal of the isthmus (middle of the thyroid)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What To Expect After Thyroid Surgery
Most patients do very well after thyroid surgery and generally go home the same day. Mild incisional pain, neck soreness and stiffness, and mild hoarseness can be expected for about a week following surgery. Most patients go back to normal activities within two weeks. Some patients may require thyroid hormone or calcium replacement following surgery.
Complications are rare but may include bleeding, persistent hoarseness, dysphagia, hypothyroidism, hypocalcemia.
