
It is mainly of two types as partial and total thyoidectomy. When only a part of thyroid gland is removed by surgery it is referred as partial thyroidectomy. In such cases, the thyroid gland continues to function well even after the surgery. However, when there is total or complete removal of thyroid gland it is referred as total thyroidectomy. a patient requires thyroid hormone as a substitute for carrying out thyroid functions on a regular basis.
IThe surgery should be performed only by an experienced surgeon to mnimize the risk and casualties while operating thyroid. Although, the risk of surgery is minimum but there are chances of blood loss and infection in few cases. The patient undergoing surgery may also experience chang in voice or hoarseness associated with it.
During the surgery, a small incision generally of 3 to 4 inches is performed at the base of the neck just above the thyroid gland. Depending, on the severity of the symptoms partial or total thyroidectomy is carried out.it generally takes about 1 to 2 hours of duration time during the surgery and a patient can return back to home after staying overnight in the hospital.
The result of this surgery is usually good and the patient is required to be on thyroid replacement therapy after complete removal of thyroid for rest of the life.