Thyroidectomy
I have a lump on my neck and I have the feeling of tightness in my throat. I frequently cough and my voice is hoarse. I was diagnosed to have goiter and my doctor advised me to go for a thyroidectomy.
What is a thyroidectomy? A thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of all (total) or part of the thyroid gland. What is the thyroid gland? The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland in the neck located in front of the wind-pipe. It produces
hormones that regulate how the body uses and stores energy. A normal thyroid gland cannot be seen or felt. An enlargement of the thyroid gland is known as “goiter”. Very close to the thyroid gland are four tiny glands called parathyroid glands, each not much bigger than a grain of rice. These produce a hormone that controls the level of calcium in your body. The parathyroid glands are normally left in place when the thyroid gland is operated on but their function may be affected by the operation. How much of my thyroid gland needs to be removed? The surgeons will advise on the extent of surgery (hemi or total thyroidectomy) based on its indication. A more extensive neck lymph node dissection may also be required for more complex thyroid cancer cases. What are the different types of thyroidectomy techniques? Conventional open thyroidectomy involves making a 4 to 6cm-wide skin crease neck incision to remove the abnormal thyroid gland depending on its size. It is the recommended option
in patients with proven thyroid cancers and very large goiters causing compression. A neck lymph node dissection may also be carried out for certain thyroid cancers. Minimally Invasive Video-Assisted Thyroidectomy (MIVAT) is a new technique in which the thyroid gland can be removed using a small 2 to 2.5cm neck incision. Totally endoscopic transaxillary thyroidectomy involves the removal of the thyroid gland via an incision in the armpit and thus avoids leaving a neck scar. Hemithyroidectomy MIVAT
Total thyroidectomy
Length of stay
2 days (1 night)
2 days (1 night)
Anaesthesia
General
General
Your specialist will explain to you in detail which sort of procedure would best suit you. What are the risks? Complications are rare: • Risk of bleeding < 1% • Nerve injury leading to transient (5-10%) or permanent (1-2%) voice change
•
Parathyroid gland injury/bruising resulting in temporary (5-10%) or longterm (1-2%) calcium supplementation for cases undergoing total thyroidectomy.
How will I feel when I wake up? • You will wake up gradually in the recovery room and may still feel a little sleepy. • There will be some extra oxygen to help you breathe and a fluid drip in the arm. • Your voice may sound different and the throat may feel sore. • Occasionally, you may feel sick or have some neck discomfort. This is all routine after general anaesthesia and resolves itself with time. Most patients can resume normal diet and movement by the next day. When should I seek medical attention? • Neck swelling • Breathing difficulties Scheduling an appointment If you or your loved ones are interested in our services, please contact us at 6555 8828.
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities in the north of Singapore, under the National Healthcare Group. Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.
GS.PE.25.0722