Although known as a disease, the thyroid gland is a 25-40-pound, butterfly-shaped organ located at the anterior portion of the trachea. The thyroid gland plays a vital role in our bodies through the hormones it secretes. Although small in size, it is responsible for regulating numerous bodily functions and hormone production. This organ moves up and down with swallowing. One of the thyroid 's primary functions is to secrete the hormones T3 and T4, which regulate the body's basic metabolism. Excessive thyroid hormone levels can lead to excessive sweating, hair loss, and rapid weight loss.  

What are the symptoms of thyroid ?

When the thyroid gland is not functioning properly, it can lead to a variety of health problems and symptoms. A variety of illnesses can occur depending on whether the thyroid gland is underactive or overactive. If we take a look at the thyroid symptoms:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Rapid weight loss or weight gain
• A person's constant desire to sleep or the feeling of not being able to sleep
• Feeling of softening and numbness in the arms and legs
• Weakening of memory and blurred consciousness
• Body temperature is too high or too low, feeling cold

Who Can Undergo Thyroid Surgery?

• In patients who have pressure on the neck and whose thyroid gland is large,
• In patients at risk of cancer
• In patients who consume medication but are not treated
• In cases where swelling in the neck causes aesthetic problems

How is Thyroid Surgery Performed?

Thyroid surgery is performed through a small incision in the neck. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The thyroid gland's blood vessels are ligated and a portion of the gland is removed. 

 However, patients often fail to realize that these complaints and symptoms are due to decreased thyroid hormone levels after surgery. If the papillary thyroid gland is 1 cm larger than the thyroid gland, bilateral thyroid gland removal is performed. The surgery should be performed without leaving any remaining thyroid tissue. The surgery typically takes approximately half an hour to an hour when performed using open surgery. Robotic surgery typically takes between 1 and 1.5 hours.

Before thyroid surgery,  the patient's previous surgeries are taken into account. All medications the patient is taking are recorded. The most important pre-operative assessment is to determine whether the thyroid has spread to the lymph nodes. Afterward, the patient should undergo a neck ultrasound. Blood thinners may need to be changed or discontinued before surgery. Vocal cord movement should be monitored before surgery.

The patient can return home the very next day after surgery. The patient regains consciousness within a few hours, can speak, and can eat by mouth. Dissolvable stitches are used during the surgery. The patient does not experience any pain. The scars begin to fade after about 5-6 months.

What are the risks of thyroid surgery?

There are two main risks following thyroid surgery. The first is damage to the vocal cords, and the second is damage to the parathyroid glands (which regulate calcium). To minimize these risks, we use specific techniques to prevent damage to the surgical procedure and other potential complications. Globally, the incidence of these risks is approximately 1%. Thyroid surgery at Ankara Private Magnet Hospital is performed by surgeons with specialized training and experience in this field. Complication rates are lower in surgeries performed by surgeons who perform thyroid surgery frequently.

What Should Be Considered After Thyroid Surgery?

Nutrition:  If you can return to your normal daily eating habits, there is no specific diet plan required after surgery. You should simply be mindful of your diet and avoid weight gain.

Medications:  Thyroid hormone supplements are used after surgery when the patient's thyroid is not producing enough hormone. While some people take these medications for life, they may be used for a limited time to replace temporary deficiencies. Initially, the patient is given small doses of medication, and the medication is then adjusted according to the patient's needs.

-Body Cleaning  : You can wash the rest of your body without hesitation, being careful not to get water on the surgical site. If you don't have a drain, you can wash three days after surgery. If you have one, you should wait until the drain is removed and then wash three days after.

How should preparations be made before Thyroid Surgery?

If the patient meets the requirements and hormone levels for surgery, preparations for surgery can begin immediately. The patient must first undergo an examination by an endocrinologist and an internal medicine specialist. Operating a patient with elevated hormone levels is quite risky. It may take several months for the patient's hormone levels to return to normal. The patient should refrain from drinking anything, not even water, after midnight the night before surgery, and should not eat or drink anything. In short, the patient should enter the surgery as if fasting.

Recovery process after thyroid surgery

Patients can generally return to their daily lives within 10-15 days after surgery. They don't experience excessive pain. Using appropriate doses of painkillers prescribed by the surgeon will also enhance recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions?

What is the Price of Thyroid Surgery?

Thyroid surgery costs can vary depending on many factors. You can visit Ankara Private Magnet Hospital for a preliminary consultation with our General Surgery doctor and receive pricing information. To easily reach us and schedule an appointment, call   0312 212 80 80.

What Causes Thyroid Disease?

Goiter is the most significant factor in thyroid disease. Goiter enlargement predisposes to thyroid diseases, particularly hypothyroidism.

Does Thyroid Make Nerves?

Excessive or undersecretion of thyroid hormones can cause numerous health problems. Thyroid diseases, which cause symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, and loss of appetite, are more common in women than in men.

Is Thyroid Surgery Risky?

There is a risk of infection and bleeding. This is because the thyroid gland is very close to the vocal cords and nerves. Preoperative diagnosis and surgery must be performed by experienced surgeons who are experts in their field.

Can the disease recur after thyroid surgery?

This depends on the correct procedures used during surgery. Nodules removed from the patient may recur after some time. This depends on how much of the patient's thyroid gland is removed during the surgery.

When will the voice improve after Thyroid Surgery?

The most noticeable symptom of hoarseness after surgery is a hoarseness. This hoarseness can be permanent or temporary. Temporary hoarseness is caused by edema surrounding the nerve. It typically resolves within 2-3 months.

Will there be difficulty in swallowing after Thyroid Surgery?

It's common for a patient to experience difficulty swallowing after surgery. If the patient uses the medication for the specific time period prescribed by the doctor, this short-term difficulty in swallowing usually disappears completely.