Goiter surgery is defined as the surgical removal of the thyroid gland. Goiter generally refers to enlargement of the thyroid gland. Fluid-filled or solid tissues that form within the thyroid glands are referred to as thyroid nodules. Iodine deficiency, family history, Hashimoto’s disease, and thyroid cysts cause the formation of thyroid nodules. Exposure to radioactive substances also causes this condition.
İçindekiler
Goiter disease, known as enlargement of the thyroid glands, can cause swallowing difficulty, breathing difficulty, and chronic cough in addition to noticeable masses. When it does not enlarge excessively, it causes a feeling of tightness in the throat. After diagnosis, if deemed necessary, treatment is carried out by resorting to the surgical method.
What Is Goiter Surgery?
What Is Goiter Surgery? Although goiter is normally a condition without risk, in some cases it may need to be treated with surgical methods. Surgery is considered necessary in the following situations:
- If cancer is detected as a result of the biopsy
- If a suspicious situation is noticed in terms of cancer risk
- If the patient experiences breathing problems due to enlarged thyroid glands that apply pressure to the neck
- If treatment cannot be achieved with long-term medication use
- If excessive enlargement of the thyroid gland causes aesthetic concerns
- In the presence of benign nodules, known as toxic adenoma, in which thyroid hormone is over-secreted
- If the nodule is small but carries a risk of cancer
- If swallowing and breathing problems begin to occur
Are There Risks of Goiter Surgery?
Are There Risks of Goiter Surgery? The surgery has two risks. The first is damage to the nerves that go to the vocal cords. The other is damage to the parathyroid gland, which regulates calcium and is located adjacent to the thyroid gland. However, there are certain techniques used to minimize these risks. Worldwide, it is observed that these risks occur quite rarely. They are temporary. Temporary vocal cord paralysis may occur, which can cause changes in the voice. Rarely, problems such as the parathyroid gland not functioning and a decrease in calcium levels may occur. Permanent damage occurs at a rate of one in a thousand.
How Is Goiter Surgery Performed?
How Is Goiter Surgery Performed? First, the patient is put to sleep under general anesthesia. The duration of the operation is approximately 90 to 120 minutes. The time may vary depending on the details of the patient’s condition. After the surgery, the patient needs to stay in the hospital for one day. Afterwards, the patient is discharged.
In the procedure, a horizontal incision is first made on the front of the neck. The vessels of the thyroid gland are ligated and cut, and a large part or a certain part of the gland is removed. If a malignant disease is suspected, all of it is removed. During the operation, the parathyroid glands close to the thyroid gland, voice-producing functions, and nerves are carefully protected. In this way, the risks of surgery are minimized.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Goiter Surgery?
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Goiter Surgery? After the surgery, an effective and permanent treatment is provided. After the gland is removed, there is a risk of recurrence of the disease. However, this is a low possibility. When the entire gland is removed, patients need to use medication for life.
There is a drain extending outward from a nearby part of the wound. The reason for placing the drain is to remove any leakage that may occur in the surgical area with a vacuum. The next day, this drain is removed without any problems. A few hours after the operation, the patient regains consciousness. They can speak and take food orally. They can also walk normally. They can move their neck easily as well. No severe pain is experienced, and the patient is discharged the next day.
