Thyroid removal

There are many diseases of the thyroid gland, most of which are susceptible to medication, i.e. therapeutic treatment. However, in some cases, doctors prescribe a surgical method of treatment, which involves full or partial removal of the thyroid gland. Any operations on this body are procedures of increased complexity, because the gland has a complex structure, and next to it are other important organs - the trachea, esophagus, and also vocal cords, lymphatic and blood vessels, nerves.

Types of operations on the thyroid gland and indications for them

Operations to remove the thyroid gland or part of it are prescribed individually, according to strict indications, after special training. Surgical intervention is performed by either an endocrinologist or a general surgical department.

There are three main types of operations on the thyroid gland. Let's consider in more detail

Thyroidectomy

It implies removal of all gland tissues, which in some cases can be combined with removal of the regional lymphatic apparatus of the neck. This operation is carried out with:

• detection of cancerous organ damage;
• with a multinodal toxic goiter (in the absence of unaffected tissue);
• with diffuse toxic goiter (in the case of grade 3 goitre, in the presence of serious complications, in the absence of the effect of conservative therapy).

Hemithyroidectomy

Surgery to remove one lobe of the gland with an isthmus. This intervention is carried out in the case of unilateral damage to the thyroid gland, most often with:

• presence of nodes to be removed, in one of the lobes of the gland;
• follicular tumors of the thyroid gland ( carcinomas );
• toxic adenoma of the thyroid gland.

Resection of the thyroid gland

The removal of a part of the organ tissues is carried out, which is very rarely used now because of the formation of scars on the remaining tissues after surgery and an increased risk of complications in case of need for a second operation.

Currently, interventions on the thyroid gland more often under general anesthesia. But in some cases, in order to avoid damage to the recurrent nerves, the operation is performed under local anesthesia. It is possible to conduct the intervention endoscopically - through small holes in the neck.

Removal of Thyroid Nodules by Laser

Laser removal of thyroid nodules is carried out if these formations are autonomous and have a size of not more than four centimeters. This method is quite effective, provides for minimal tissue damage, absence of scars. However, for a complete cure requires a long course of treatment.