ENT - Thyroidectomy

What is the thyroid gland?

The thyroid gland is a small butterfly shaped organ that sits on the windpipe just below your Adam’s apple in the neck.

What does the thyroid gland do?

The gland releases hormones called thyroid hormones. These hormones control your body’s metabolism, which affects things like the rate at which your heart beats to how quickly you burn calories and produce energy.

What is a thyroidectomy?

A thyroidectomy is a surgical operation to remove either part or all the thyroid gland.

Why do I need it?

If you are suffering from the following, then you would need to undergo a thyroidectomy:

• Overactive thyroid gland
• Nodules on your thyroid gland
• An enlarged thyroid gland which makes your neck look bigger than normal
• Thyroid cancer

What will it involve?

The operation usually lasts 1-2 hours, during which you’ll be under general anaesthetic, so you won’t be awake.

There are different options for the surgical technique used, however, a small cut, around 5-8cm long, will be made on the lower part of the neck by the surgeon.

The thyroid gland is then carefully removed, sometimes with lymph nodes if a thyroid cancer is being taken out.

Risks and complications

Unfortunately, as with any surgery, there are some risks associated with thyroid surgery.

These are rare and your surgeon will help explain them in more detail. Please make sure you ask any questions you may have.

• Damage to the nerve which supplies the voice box
• Infection of the wound
• Bleeding during the operation
• Low levels of calcium after the surgery - you may need to take calcium supplements if this happens*

Please note: if you are unwell on the day of the operation, please don’t be afraid to contact your medical team and let them know. Your safety is paramount.

*Contact your Medical team immediately if you experience any numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes or around the mouth. Please note, this only happens if you have had all your thyroid removed.

What happens after the surgery?

You may go home the same day or you may have to stay in hospital, the surgeon will let you know. You will be able to eat and drink as normal after surgery and can return to normal daily activities after 10 days.

You may also:

• Have a hoarse or weak voice. This is often temporary and should return to normal in a few days
• Have some blood tests while you recover after your surgery. This will check your thyroid hormone and calcium levels to see how well you’re recovering
• Need some pain relief. Please notify the doctors or nurses so that they can give some to make you more comfortable
• Must take thyroid hormone medication for life to replace the hormone which was produced by the removed gland

Contact us

Please contact the Head and Neck Clinical Nurse Specialist on 0161 206 3186/0161 206 8207.