What does a total thyroidectomy remove?
A total thyroidectomy removes the entire thyroid and the thyroid tissue. This surgery is appropriate when nodules, swelling, or inflammation affect the entire thyroid gland, or when cancer is present. How is thyroid surgery performed?
When is it appropriate to remove one side of the thyroid?
Removing one side of the thyroid–a thyroid lobectomy–is appropriate for nodules located on one side of the thyroid, and some small thyroid cancers. Removal of one half of the thyroid gland is called a thyroid lobectomy.
What happens to the parathyroid gland after thyroid removal surgery?
There may also be a negative effect to the parathyroid glands after the thyroid removal surgery. These glands are located right next to the thyroid glands and they help in controlling the calcium level in your blood. There may be a severe fall of the calcium levels in the body in case the parathyroid glands are not working properly.
How do you treat thyroid nodules?
This is treated with daily hormone supplements. A total thyroidectomy removes the entire thyroid and the thyroid tissue. This surgery is appropriate when nodules, swelling, or inflammation affect the entire thyroid gland, or when cancer is present. How is thyroid surgery performed?
What is the best way to remove a thyroid?
Conventional thyroidectomy. This approach involves making an incision in the center of your neck to directly access your thyroid gland. The majority of people will likely be candidates for this procedure. Transoral thyroidectomy. This approach avoids a neck incision by using an incision inside the mouth. Endoscopic thyroidectomy.
What happens if only half of the thyroid gland is removed?
Sometimes, a nodule, inflammation, or swelling affects only half of the thyroid gland. When this happens, a doctor will remove only one of the two lobes. The part left behind should retain some or all of its function. A subtotal thyroidectomy removes the thyroid gland but leaves behind a small amount of thyroid tissue.