What is the thyroid gland?
Your thyroid gland is butterfly shaped and located near the base of your neck. The gland produces hormones that regulate your metabolism, which is your body's ability to burn calories and turn food into energy.
When a problem arises with your thyroid’s structure or function, surgical removal of the thyroid gland is sometimes necessary.
Why might I need thyroid surgery?
Dr. Halili might recommend thyroid surgery to remove all or part of your thyroid gland if you have:
- Thyroid cancer
- A goiter, or enlarged thyroid gland
- Overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism
- Suspicious thyroid nodules
If Dr. Halili removes part of your thyroid gland, it might still function properly after surgery. Thyroid hormone treatment, or taking oral synthetic thyroid hormone, is necessary if Dr. Halili removes all of the gland.
What are the symptoms of a thyroid disorder?
The symptoms of a thyroid disorder vary based on the type of condition you have. You may experience:
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Fatigue
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Heat or cold intolerance
- Muscle weakness
- Dry, course hair and skin
- Irritability or nervousness
- An enlarged thyroid gland
- Sleeping problems
- Muscle weakness
Not all thyroid disorders require surgery, but treatment is often necessary to help your body function the way it’s designed to.
How should I prepare for thyroid surgery?
Follow medication instructions before surgery to regulate thyroid function and reduce your risk of bleeding. Dr. Halili might recommend you avoid drinking or eating for a period prior to surgery. Make arrangements for a friend or family member to drive you home after surgery.
What happens during thyroid surgery?
The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours to complete. You are placed under general anesthesia before thyroid surgery, which means you stay asleep during the procedure.
Dr. Halili makes a small incision in your neck or mouth to remove all or part of your thyroid gland. He may also examine or remove lymph nodes if your thyroid cancer has spread.
What happens after the procedure?
After surgery, you’re moved to a recovery area. You generally head home the same day or the day after surgery. Temporary post-surgery side effects include a hoarse voice, neck discomfort, or a weak voice, but you can eat and drink normally after the procedure.
Avoid vigorous activities, such as sports or heavy lifting, for about 10 days after thyroid surgery. Your surgical scar should fade away in about a year.
If you suspect thyroid cancer of another thyroid disorder, schedule an appointment with Central Florida Surgical Specialists by phone today.
