Total Thyroidectomy

What is the Thyroid Gland?

The thyroid gland is a structure in your neck that produces a hormone called thyroxine, which regulates your body's metabolism. Sometimes this gland can become overactive. This is called thyrotoxicosis and can cause symptoms such as losing weight, sweatiness and eye problems.

The Procedure

What are the Benefits of a Total Thyroidectomy?

You should no longer have any distressing symptoms.

Are There Any Alternatives to a Total Thyroidectomy?

Medication, such as carbimazole or propylthiouracil, can be used to control thyroid activity.

Radioactive iodine can also be used for some people.

It is possible to remove only part of the thyroid gland so that you continue to produce some thyroid hormones and do not need to start taking thyroxine tablets. However, you may need further treatment.

What Does the Total Thyroidectomy Involve?

This ENT operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes 90 minutes to two hours.

Your surgeon will make a cut on your neck in the line of one of your skin creases and remove the thyroid gland (see figure 1).

What Complications Can Happen?

General Complications

Pain
Infection of the surgical site (wound)
Unsightly scarring
Blood clots

Specific Complications

Bleeding
Change in your voice
Drop in calcium levels
Drop in thyroid hormone levels
Increase in thyroid hormone levels
Breathing difficulties

Following Surgery

How Soon Will I Recover?

You should be able to go home after one to two days.

You should be able to return to work and normal activities after about two weeks.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

The healthcare team will usually arrange for you to come back to the clinic. Your surgeon will discuss with you any treatment or follow-up you need.

Summary

Thyrotoxicosis is a condition caused by an overactive thyroid gland. The symptoms can be distressing. A thyroidectomy to remove the thyroid gland is one of a number of ways thyrotoxicosis can be treated.

For more information on total thyroidectomy to treat thyrotoxicosis at New Victoria Hospital, please fill out a contact form or call us on 020 8949 9020.

Acknowledgements

Author: Mr Keith Rigg FRCS MD

The operation and treatment information on this website is published under license by New Victoria Hospital from EIDO Healthcare UK and is protected by copyright laws. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print out, download or otherwise reproduce any of the information. The information should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.