Conventional Thyroidectomy

Procedure

As previously mentioned, this procedure is the removal of the hole thyroid gland. This procedure is done under local or general anaesthetics, however local anaesthetics is becoming more common. Local anaesthetic is numbing to the neck and surrounding region only, whilst general anaestheticputs you to sleep. Hypothyroidism causes you to be more sensitive to anaesthetics.

The procedure is generally performed to cure the followingconditions;

• Individuals with thyrotoxicosis, both those with Graves' disease and others with hot nodules
• To establish a definitive diagnosis of a mass.
• To treat benign and malignant tumours.
• To reduce pressure symptoms or respiratory difficulties associated with tumours.
• To remove an unsightly goitre.
• To remove large substernal goitres, especially if they cause respiratory difficulties.

 The surgeon will make a small incision (cut) in the centre of your neck. They may also make a series of incisions some distance from the thyroid. This is because there are several ways they can reach the gland without leaving too much visible scarring. This depends on the technique they are going to use. This procedure generally takes a few hours.

This procedure will be done in a small operating theatre. You will Be Paced in a supine position (laid flat) with the apex of your head (top of your head) at the top of the operating bed. You may get a shoulder roll or gel pad. This will be placed at the acromion (shoulder blade) to help extend the neck. Your head will also be supported to provide most exposure of the neck region. Your arms will be by your side.

One of the main approaches to this surgery is a conventionalthyroidectomy. This involves making an incision at the centre of your neck to directly access your thyroid gland. This can leave a scar however, so people choose to go with endoscopic thyroidectomy’s.

At the end of the surgery, the surgeon will suture the muscle back together and then close the wound using a continuous suture. This can be done using resorbable stitches, so they don’t need removing. The surgeon may also apply steristrips or skin glue to further help the wound close.