Total Thyroidectomy

Total Thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the complete removal of the thyroid gland. This may be necessary to treat thyroid cancer, large goiters, hyperthyroidism, or other thyroid conditions that do not respond to conservative treatments. At Emirates Hospitals Group in Dubai, our specialized thyroid surgeons perform total thyroidectomy with precision and care to ensure optimal outcomes for patients.

Procedures for Total Thyroidectomy

During total thyroidectomy, the following steps are typically involved:

• Anesthesia and Incision: The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision in the lower neck to access the thyroid gland.
• Thyroid Gland Removal: The entire thyroid gland, including any affected lymph nodes, is carefully dissected and removed.
• Preservation of Parathyroid Glands: Adjacent parathyroid glands, which regulate calcium levels, are preserved to maintain normal calcium metabolism.
• Closure: The incision is closed with dissolvable stitches, and a dressing may be applied to the surgical site.

Symptoms Addressed by Total Thyroidectomy

Total thyroidectomy addresses symptoms such as:

• Thyroid Cancer: Removal of cancerous thyroid tissue to prevent spread and recurrence.
• Goiter: Enlargement of the thyroid gland causing breathing or swallowing difficulties.
• Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid gland leading to symptoms like rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and tremors.

These symptoms can significantly impact quality of life and may require surgical intervention for resolution.

Diagnosis and Consultation for Total Thyroidectomy

Diagnosis for total thyroidectomy includes:

• Thyroid Function Tests: Blood tests to assess thyroid hormone levels and function.
• Imaging Studies: Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to visualize the thyroid gland and determine the extent of enlargement or presence of nodules.
• Biopsy: Fine-needle aspiration biopsy to sample thyroid nodules and assess for cancerous cells.

During the consultation at Emirates Hospitals Group, our thyroid specialists discuss the surgical procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes with patients and their families.

Recovery Process After Total Thyroidectomy

Recovery from total thyroidectomy involves the following stages:

• Hospital Stay: Patients typically stay in the hospital for one to two days post-surgery for monitoring and management of pain and potential complications.
• Thyroid Hormone Replacement: Patients may need lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy to maintain normal metabolism and prevent hypothyroidism.
• Follow-Up Visits: Regular appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing, adjust medications, and assess thyroid hormone levels.
• Voice and Swallowing Exercises: Rehabilitation exercises to improve voice quality and swallowing function, especially if the vocal cords or nearby structures were affected during surgery.

Emirates Hospitals Group provides comprehensive post-operative care and support to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal health following total thyroidectomy surgery.

Emirates Hospitals Group in Dubai offers exceptional total thyroidectomy surgery, led by specialized thyroid surgeons committed to patient care and successful outcomes.