SURGERY FOR GOITER
Goiter is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland, which is located at the base of the neck. Dr. Shilpi Sharma one of the Best Thyroid Cancer Doctor in Gurgaon. The condition can cause various symptoms, ranging from cosmetic concerns to breathing and swallowing difficulties, depending on the size and location of the growth. Surgery is one of the treatment options used when the goiter is causing severe symptoms or if it is cancerous or suspected to be cancerous.
The surgical procedure for goiter removal is known as a thyroidectomy. The operation involves either removing part (partial thyroidectomy) or all (total thyroidectomy) of the thyroid gland. The exact procedure depends on the size of the goiter, the patient’s symptoms, and whether the goiter is cancerous.
Before surgery, the patient undergoes various preoperative evaluations. These may include blood tests, imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scans, and occasionally a biopsy. The objective is to establish the goiter’s size, position, and whether it extends into the chest. It also determines whether the thyroid gland is overactive and if the goiter is cancerous.
During the operation, the surgeon makes an incision at the base of the neck to access the thyroid gland. If the goiter is not too large and is located in an easily accessible position, the surgeon may use minimally invasive techniques to reduce scarring and recovery time. Otherwise, a traditional open surgical approach may be required.
Following the removal, the incision is closed with sutures. The patient may need to stay in the hospital for a day or two for observation and pain management. If the entire thyroid gland is removed, the patient will need to take thyroid hormone replacement therapy for life to supply the body with the necessary thyroid hormones.
Postoperative care involves managing any pain or discomfort with prescribed medication and monitoring for potential complications such as bleeding, infection, or damage to nearby structures like the parathyroid glands or the recurrent laryngeal nerve. The patient will need to have regular check-ups to monitor thyroid hormone levels and adjust medication if necessary.
