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Thyroidectomy - series

Normal anatomy

The thyroid gland, a part of the endocrine (hormone) system, plays a major role in regulating the body's metabolism.

Indications

Thyroidectomy may be recommended for:

• Increased thyroid function (hyperthyroidism; thyrotoxicosis)
• Decreased thyroid function (hypothyroidism) with enlargement (hypertrophy) of the gland
• Primary cancer of the thyroid
• Enlargement of the thyroid (nontoxic goiter)

Incision

While the patient is deep asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia), an incision is made in the front of the neck.

Procedure

The thyroid gland is removed. Either one lobe of the thyroid gland, or the entire gland, is removed, depending on the disease process being treated.

Aftercare

The results of thyroid surgery are usually excellent. Monitoring of thyroid hormone production may continue for some months after the operation. Some patients may need to take supplemental thyroid hormone after thyroidectomy.

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Review Date: 2/28/2022  

Reviewed By: Debra G. Wechter, MD, FACS, General Surgery Practice Specializing in Breast Cancer, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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