Thyroidectomy
A Thyroidectomy can help every bodily system.
Your thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland in the middle of your neck just above the collar bone. The hormone produced by your thyroid gland controls many of your metabolic functions.
Symptoms of Thyroid Nodules:
Lumps in the central neck above the collarbone.
Possible reasons for a Thyroidectomy:
Thyroid nodules, Graves’ Disease, Goiter, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism.
Benefits of the Thyroidectomy
Removes cancerous or suspicious nodules
Removes large aesthetically problematic nodules
Possible outpatient procedure
Relieves symptoms hyperthyroidism
Reduces symptoms of Graves’ Disease
What to Expect
Dr. Davis performs thyroid surgery at a nearby hospital. The procedure typically takes 90 to 120 minutes and involves removal of either part or all of the thyroid gland. In some patients, lymph nodes are removed as well. Patients who have only part of the gland removed may go home the same day whereas patients who have the entire gland removed usually stay in the hospital overnight. Dr. Davis uses glue instead of stitches to close the skin, so showering is allowed the day of surgery.
The initial recovery period lasts about a week. During this period it is important to keep activity light. Additional healing takes place over about a month. Patients who have their entire gland removed will need to be on thyroid hormone replacement therapy, which is managed by either the primary care doctor or by an endocrinologist. Patients with thyroid cancer may need further treatment with radioactive iodine.
*Results may vary and are not guaranteed*