There are different operations that can be done on the thyroid. The main ones are hemi thyroidectomy removing half the thyroid and leaving the other half to function normally, sub total thyroidectomy removing most of the thyroid but hopefully leaving enough to function normally or total thyroidectomy which involves removing all of the thyroid and requires life long thyroxin post operatively.

The Operation

Incision

The incision is a small incision in the lower part of the neck, normally around about 3 to 4 cm long or occasionally bigger for big thyroid masses.

Procedure

The procedure is done under a general anaesthetic and takes anything from ½ hour onwards depending on the size and the condition affecting the thyroid.

Complications

All operations have a certain complication rate. The main complications from thyroid operations are as follows:-

• Hoarse voice. The voice can be made hoarse by damage to a nerve called the recurrent laryngeal nerve, this is the main nerve to the voice box and is situated just behind the thyroid and can get damaged during the procedure.



• Low calcium level. Damage to glands called the parathyroid glands can cause the level of calcium in the blood to drop, necessitating the need to take Calcium. This is only really a problem in total thyroidectomy operations.



• Other complications. All operations carry other complications such as wound infection, failure to heal properly and poor scar formation although the scar from a thyroid will normally form quite well and become virtually invisible.

A thyroid operation normally requires 1 to 2 nights in hospital. Occasionally a small drain is inserted in to the neck, but often this isn’t necessary. Most people require two weeks or so off work.