Thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove part or all of the thyroid gland. This therapy is primarily employed to treat thyroid diseases, including tumors, functional abnormalities, or structural irregularities. The surgery effectively eliminates diseased tissue and prevents disease progression or metastasis.
The goal of the procedure is to cure thyroid cancer, reduce tumor size, or alleviate symptoms caused by hyperthyroidism. Depending on the severity of the patient's condition, surgeons may opt for partial or total removal to achieve optimal treatment outcomes.
Thyroidectomy is divided into Total Thyroidectomy and Partial Resection. Total removal is suitable for malignant tumors or severe thyroid dysfunction, while partial resection is indicated for benign tumors or mild functional abnormalities.
The surgical mechanism involves excising the exposed tumor tissue and repairing surrounding tissue damage. During the procedure, careful protection of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and parathyroid glands is essential to avoid permanent complications. Modern techniques often utilize endoscopy or minimally invasive approaches to reduce trauma and recovery time.
Physicians evaluate the suitability of surgery based on tumor size, malignancy degree, and overall health status of the patient.
The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, with incisions located in the neck skin folds to hide scars. The operation lasts approximately 2 to 4 hours, with hospitalization for 1-3 days for observation.
The concept of "dosage" does not apply here, but the surgeon adjusts the extent of resection based on the lesion's scope. Postoperative monitoring of thyroid function is necessary, with hormone replacement therapy as needed.
Long-term follow-up shows that total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer can achieve a 5-year survival rate of over 90%, making it the standard treatment for malignant tumors.
Serious risks include intraoperative bleeding, anesthesia complications, and parathyroid damage leading to hypocalcemia. Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury may cause hoarseness, with approximately 5-10% of patients experiencing temporary vocal cord issues.
Postoperative patients may require lifelong thyroid hormone replacement, with a 0.5-2% chance of permanent hypoparathyroidism, resulting in muscle cramps or tetany.
Contraindications include uncontrolled bleeding disorders, severe cardiopulmonary diseases, or high surgical risk based on preoperative assessment. Pregnant women or those allergic to anesthesia drugs should be carefully evaluated.
Preoperative preparations include discontinuing anticoagulants and detailed assessment of thyroid function. Regular postoperative monitoring of thyroid function and tumor markers is essential to detect recurrence.
Postoperative management involves thyroid hormone replacement, which may affect the dosage of other hormonal medications. When taking calcium supplements or vitamin D, they should be spaced 4-6 hours apart from thyroid hormones to ensure absorption.
Radioactive iodine therapy is often combined with total thyroidectomy to eliminate residual cancer cells. Coordination of the timing of these treatments is necessary to avoid interference.
Studies show that total thyroidectomy for papillary carcinoma achieves a 5-year survival rate of up to 95%, while follicular carcinoma can reach 98%. Patients with microtumors undergoing partial resection report symptom relief rates of 80-90%.
Clinical guidelines recommend surgery over medication for hyperthyroidism unresponsive to radioactive iodine, with lower long-term complication risks.
Alternative treatments depend on tumor characteristics and patient age, but surgery remains the primary method for eradicating malignant tumors.
It is recommended to undergo detailed physical examinations and blood tests before surgery to assess thyroid function and overall health. If you are taking anticoagulants (such as aspirin or warfarin), inform your doctor beforehand to determine if they should be discontinued. On the day of surgery, fasting for 8 hours is advised to prevent intraoperative complications. Medical staff will provide personalized instructions based on your health status; please follow them carefully.
Is permanent hoarseness or voice loss common after surgery? How can this be alleviated?Most voice changes are temporary, caused by potential impact on the vocal cord nerves during surgery, with gradual recovery within 6 to 12 months. If symptoms persist beyond six months, further evaluation may be needed. Postoperative care includes speaking softly, avoiding smoky environments, and following speech therapist recommendations for vocal cord exercises to promote nerve recovery. The vast majority of patients eventually regain normal voice function.
What dietary precautions should be taken after surgery? Are there long-term restrictions on certain foods?Initially, a soft, cool diet is recommended, avoiding hot or hard foods that may irritate the wound. After 2-3 days, normal eating can gradually resume, but high-iodine foods (such as seaweed) should be avoided, especially if radioactive iodine therapy is planned later. Long-term, a balanced diet is advised, along with hormone replacement therapy as prescribed by your doctor; there is no need for strict restrictions on common foods.
Is long-term thyroid hormone medication necessary after surgery? How is the appropriate dosage monitored?Patients who undergo total thyroidectomy require lifelong levothyroxine therapy to replace hormones. Partial resection depends on residual tissue function post-surgery. Blood tests every 3 to 6 months to measure TSH and Free T4 levels are necessary to adjust medication doses and maintain hormones within normal ranges. Regular follow-up effectively prevents hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism complications.
How should I care for surgical scars? How can I reduce the risk of hypertrophic scarring?Postoperative wounds should be kept clean and dry. Follow medical advice regarding antibiotic ointments to prevent infection. After stitches are removed, silicone gel sheets or scar gels can be used, and exposure to sunlight should be avoided early on. If scars itch or swell, avoid scratching and return for evaluation. Modern surgeries often use hidden incisions (e.g., armpit or oral cavity), significantly reducing visible scarring.
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