tiroidektomi

Tiroidektomi is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck and produces hormones that regulate metabolism. This surgery is typically performed to treat thyroid cancer, benign thyroid nodules that cause symptoms, goiter (enlarged thyroid), or hyperthyroidism that is not controlled by medication.

The extent of the thyroid gland removed depends on the medical condition being treated. A total thyroidectomy involves the removal of the entire thyroid gland, while a partial thyroidectomy, or lobectomy, removes only a portion. In some cases, both lobes and the isthmus (the part connecting the lobes) are removed.

During the procedure, an incision is usually made across the front of the neck. The surgeon carefully separates the thyroid gland from surrounding structures, such as the parathyroid glands and recurrent laryngeal nerves, which are crucial for calcium regulation and voice control, respectively.

Following a total thyroidectomy, patients will require lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy to maintain normal bodily functions. Partial thyroidectomy may or may not require hormone replacement, depending on the amount of thyroid tissue remaining and its functional capacity. Potential risks associated with thyroidectomy include bleeding, infection, damage to the parathyroid glands leading to hypocalcemia, and damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerves causing hoarseness or voice changes. Recovery typically involves a hospital stay of one to two days, with most patients returning to normal activities within a few weeks.