Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
Alternative names Return to top
Total thyroidectomy; Partial thyroidectomy; ThyroidectomyDefinition Return to top
Thyroid gland removal is surgery to remove all (total thyroidectomy) or part (subtotal or partial thyroidectomy) of the thyroid gland.Description Return to top
Thyroidectomy is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). An incision is made in the front of the neck. All or part of the thyroid gland, depending on the particular procedure, is removed.
Indications Return to top
The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system and plays a major role in regulating the body's metabolism. Some diseases affect the gland by reducing its output of hormones (hypothyroidism), while others cause overproduction of hormones (hyperthyroidism).
Thyroid disorders are more common in older children and adolescents (especially in girls) than in infants. Most thyroid disorders can be treated with medication, but surgery is sometimes required.
Thyroidectomy may be recommended for the following:
Risks Return to top
Risks for any anesthesia include the following:Expectations after surgery Return to top
The results of thyroid surgery are usually excellent. Monitoring of thyroid hormone production may need to continue for some months after the operation. Thyroid hormone replacement maybe necessaryConvalescence Return to top
In general, recovery from thyroid surgery is very rapid, and you should be able to resume all normal activities, including going back to school or work, within a few weeks. Update Date: 11/24/2002 Updated by: Hebe Molmenti, M.D., Ph.D., Private Practice specializing in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |