A Thyroidectomy is an operation that involves the surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. Thyroid surgeons Dr. Jeremy Watkins, Dr. Brad McIntyre and Dr. Sean Callahan at the Fort Worth Thyroid Center are experienced thyroid surgeons who often perform a thyroidectomy when a patient has thyroid cancer, thyroid disease, or some other condition of the thyroid gland (such as hyperthyroidism or goiter).
Reasons for Thyroidectomy
Thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of your thyroid gland. Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck. Surgeons often perform a thyroidectomy when a patient has thyroid cancer, noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid (goiter) and overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Minimally invasive thyroid surgery may be an option for patients diagnosed with benign thyroid problems and even small thyroid cancers.
Surgeries for disorders of the thyroid and parathyroid glands vary according to the disorder being treated. For example, partial removal of a thyroid gland for which diagnostic testing is not fully informative, a parathyroidectomy, is different than removal of the entire gland or associated lymph nodes for cancer.
The thyroid gland on the lower neck produces hormones that control metabolism. Benign or malignant thyroid tumors can develop and be seen as lumps on the neck. Malignant tumors can cause hoarseness, lymph node enlargement, pain, and difficulty breathing. The parathyroid glands are much smaller, arranged around the thyroid gland. They are responsible for calcium metabolism, and disorders of these glands may be picked up on routine medical checkups.
Indications for Thyroidectomy
A thyroidectomy is usually performed for an enlarged thyroid causing obstructive symptoms (difficulty breathing or swallowing) or to remove a cancer. Sometimes it is performed simply for cosmetic reasons (very enlarged gland, but without abnormalities in thyroid function).
While it is a common surgical procedure, there are several potential complications, including vocal cord paralysis leading to airway obstruction, changes in voice, alterations in calcium metabolism, the need for life-long thyroid supplementation, bleeding, and infection.
Partial or Total Thyroidectomy
The surgeon may remove a portion (partial thyroidectomy) or all of your thyroid (total thyroidectomy). If a partial thyroidectomy is performed, your thyroid may be able to function normally after surgery. If your entire thyroid is removed (total thyroidectomy), you need daily treatment with thyroid hormone to replace your thyroid’s natural function.
Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring During Thyroidectomy
The thyroid gland lies close to the vocal cords and the nerves that control movement of the vocal cords (recurrent laryngeal nerves). When surgery is performed on the thyroid gland, a nerve monitor is sometimes used during the operation with the aim of helping to prevent potential damage to the nerves.
At Fort Worth ENT & Sinus, our surgeons use intraoperative nerve monitoring devices that are used in conjunction with NIM® Nerve Monitoring Systems during a variety of surgical procedures. The ENT surgeries include thyroidectomies, parotidectomies, as well as other operations performed by our surgeons.
Surgical Procedure
A thyroidectomy is a procedure done under general anesthesia. A horizontal incision is usually made in the midline of the neck where it can heal well with minimal scarring and provide safe access to identify laryngeal nerves and remove any thyroid tissue. A drain may be placed during surgery that will be removed one to two days after surgery.
A total thyroidectomy, where the entire gland is removed, is usually done for thyroid cancer. Lesser variants of this surgery include a hemithyroidectomy, or unilateral lobectomy, where half of the gland is removed (usually for benign nodule removal), or a subtotal thyroidectomy, where most of the thyroid is removed, leaving behind a small amount to hopefully allow for normal thyroid function after surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the options available to you with their benefits and risks.
You will be able to eat a liquid and soft diet for a few days after surgery. In some cases, patients will cough immediately after drinking. If you experience this, try thicker liquids or pudding-consistency foods. If this continues, or you develop chest pain or a fever, contact your doctor. If your vocal cords are weak after the surgery, a speech pathologist can help select the appropriate diet to strengthen your vocal cords.
If you would like an appointment with one of our physicians at Fort Worth ENT & Sinus please complete an online appointment request or phone 817-332-8848.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recovery from a thyroidectomy typically takes 1–2 weeks for most daily activities. Swelling, mild soreness, and a small neck scar are common initially. Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines for activity restrictions, wound care, and diet. Most patients can return to work within a week, depending on the type of surgery and overall health.
It depends on whether a partial or total thyroidectomy is performed. If only part of the thyroid is removed, the remaining gland may function normally. After a total thyroidectomy, you will need daily thyroid hormone replacement to maintain normal metabolism and energy levels. Your surgeon will monitor your hormone levels and adjust your medication as needed.
While generally safe, thyroidectomy carries potential risks such as temporary or permanent changes in voice, difficulty swallowing, bleeding, infection, and low calcium levels if the parathyroid glands are affected. Intraoperative nerve monitoring, used at Fort Worth ENT, helps reduce the risk of nerve injury during surgery.
Thyroidectomy is performed under general anesthesia with a small horizontal incision in the lower neck. The surgeon carefully identifies and preserves the recurrent laryngeal nerves and parathyroid glands. Depending on your condition, the procedure may involve the removal of part or all of the thyroid. Minimally invasive approaches may be considered for select patients.
Most patients can start with liquids and soft foods immediately after surgery, progressing to a normal diet as tolerated. Voice rest and gentle neck movements are recommended initially. Strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or contact sports should be avoided for at least 1–2 weeks or as advised by your surgeon. A speech pathologist may help if you experience vocal weakness.