When Procedure is Used

Thyroidectomies can be conducted through a small incision at the front of the throat. You will most likely be under general anesthesia for the procedure in order to relax your muscles and allow you to sleep. Your surgeon will then make incisions as necessary and will remove your whole thyroid or part of it. Additionally, the lymph nodes around your thyroid may need to be removed as well, and your surgeon can do this at the same time.

During Surgery

Thyroidectomies can be conducted through a small incision at the front of the throat or through the mouth. Sometimes, surgeons use a combination of a very small incision under the chin as well as one in the mouth. You will most likely be under general anesthesia for the procedure in order to relax your muscles and allow you to sleep. Your surgeon will then make incisions as necessary and will remove your whole thyroid or part of it. Additionally, the lymph nodes around your thyroid may need to be removed as well, and your surgeon can do this at the same time.

Risks

The risk of complications is very low. However, potential risks might include

• allergic reactions to medications
• nerve damage
• bleeding or blood clots
• infection
• injury to surrounding tissues

Benefits

• Your surgeon will discuss with you the potential benefits of both a partial thyroidectomy and a total thyroidectomy.