ear nose + throat


 
Overview
Conditions
Minimally Invasive Surgery
  • Thyroidectomy
  • Tonsillectomy
 

Thyroidectomy

  • About
  • Talk to your Surgeon
  • Resources
About Thyroidectomy

Any kind of treatment for a problem with your thyroid begins with a conversation with your doctor. In cases where medical treatment won't work, and surgery is indicated, he or she may recommend the surgical removal of all or part of your thyroid gland (a thyroidectomy) for a variety of problems, including non-cancerous enlargement of the thyroid, overactive thyroid, or thyroid cancer.

If surgery is required, the extent and type of thyroid problem you have will affect how much of your thyroid gland needs to be removed. With a partial thyroidectomy, where just a part of the gland is removed, your thyroid may be able to function again normally. A total thyroidectomy, where the entire gland is removed, will require you to take daily hormones after surgery for the rest of your life.

Different devices lead to different results

Whatever type of thyroidectomy you're having, the way your surgeon performs the procedure can ultimately affect the pain after the operation and speed of recovery. The procedure can be performed using any of several different types of instruments. In a traditional thyroidectomy, the surgeon uses electrosurgery (a device that uses the heat generated from an electric arc) to cut and seal the tissue during the procedure. Because of the extreme heat, the surrounding tissue can be damaged.

On the other hand, the same procedure can be performed using HARMONIC® Devices that use high-speed vibrational energy, which can minimize damage to the tissue. The advantages to using HARMONIC® Technology may include:

  • A shorter average incision length compared to a conventional technique (4.5cm HARMONIC® Device vs. 5.5cm conventional)*.
  • A shorter operation time by up to 30 minutes compared to a conventional technique.1
  • Minimal tissue damage†.

Site References

  • * When compared to thyroidectomy performed with conventional techniques. In an analysis of 125 thyroidectomy patients, use the Harmonic curved shears (CS14C) in thyroidectomy (n=105) was associated with reductions in average incision length (4.5cm Harmonic vs. 5.5 Conventional) compared to conventional technique.
  • †Compared to electrosurgery

Talking to your Surgeon about your Thyroidectomy

If a thyroidectomy has been recommended for you, your surgeon is your best resource for information. It is important to understand your individual situation and find the best option. Here are some questions you can use to get the conversation started:

  • How many thyroidectomies have you preformed?
  • How do you typically perform this procedure?
  • What are the risks associated with this procedure?
  • What will be the size of the incision?
  • What is the average amount of time I will need to be under anesthesia?
  • What should I expect as far as recovery from the procedure?

Thyroidectomy Resources

Learn more about your condition and possible treatment options with these resources.

Find a Surgeon

Whether you choose to have conventional surgery or to have a Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS), it is important that you have a surgeon who is experienced and qualified to perform the procedure.

To locate a surgeon in your area experienced with MIS, click here.