Thyroidectomy Surgery in Turkey
Thyroidectomy is the removal of the thyroid gland whole or part. The thyroid is a gland in the form of a butterfly, at the neck base. It releases hormones that control every part of your metabolism, including how quickly you burn calories including your heart rate.
Thyroidectomy is used to treat thyroid disorders, such as cancer, thyroid (goiter) noncancerous enlargement, and overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
A thyroidectomy may be recommended for conditions such as:
- Thyroid cancer: Cancer is the most common reason for thyroidectomy.
- Noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid (goiter): Removing all or part of your thyroid gland is an option if you have a large goiter that is uncomfortable or causes difficulty breathing or swallowing or, in some cases, if the goiter is causing hyperthyroidism.
- Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism): Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine.
- Indeterminate or suspicious thyroid nodules: Some thyroid nodules can’t be identified as cancerous or noncancerous after testing a sample from a needle biopsy.
After surgery you are moved to a recovery room where your recovery from surgery and anesthesia is monitored by the health care team. You’ll be transferred to a hospital room until you’re completely awake. After treatment, you should be able to eat and drink as normal. Depending on the type of operation you’ve had, you may be able to go home on the day of your procedure or your doctor might recommend that you stay in the hospital overnight.
Partial thyroidectomy
If only part of your thyroid is removed, the remaining portion typically takes over the function of the entire thyroid gland, and you might not need thyroid hormone therapy.
Complete thyroidectomy
If your entire thyroid is removed, your body can’t make thyroid hormone and without replacement you’ll develop signs and symptoms of underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). As a result, you’ll need to take a pill every day that contains the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid).
The long-term effects of thyroidectomy depend on how much of the thyroid is removed.
