Doctors for Thyroidectomy

Thyroidectomy is a surgical operation in which the whole or a portion of the thyroid gland is removed. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland found in the neck that produces hormones that regulate metabolism and other body functions. Thyroidectomy is most commonly used to treat thyroid cancer, goiter, or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

There are three forms of thyroidectomy:

• Total thyroidectomy: This procedure involves the complete removal of the thyroid gland. It is most commonly used to treat thyroid cancer, as well as other conditions such as Graves' disease and multinodular goiters.
• Partial thyroidectomy: As the name suggests, this procedure involves the removal of only part of the thyroid gland. It has the potential to be used to treat thyroid nodules as well as some cases of thyroid cancer. Treatment involves making a small incision in the neck to access the affected part of the thyroid gland and carefully removing it.
• Hemithyroidectomy: The thyroid gland is removed in half during this procedure. It has the potential to be used to treat thyroid nodules as well as some cases of thyroid cancer.

After surgery, patients will typically require lifelong hormone replacement therapy to replace the thyroid hormone that the body no longer produces.

Before undergoing a thyroidectomy, several diagnostic procedures and tests may be performed to assess the condition of the thyroid and plan the surgery. The particular tests and evaluations may differ based on the individual patient and the healthcare provider's suggestions. However, here are some common diagnostic steps and tests that are typically performed before a thyroidectomy:

• Medical History and Physical Examination: The healthcare provider will conduct a thorough medical history interview and physical examination to assess the symptoms, evaluate the size and characteristics of the thyroid gland, and identify any potential risk factors or complications.
• Thyroid Function Tests: The levels of thyroid hormones in the blood are examined. These thyroid hormones include thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), in addition to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). These tests can tell you if your thyroid gland is working properly and if you have any hormonal imbalances.
• Thyroid Ultrasound: The thyroid ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that creates comprehensive pictures of the thyroid gland by using sound waves to make the images. It aids in determining the thyroid's size, shape, and structure, as well as identifying any nodules or abnormalities.
• Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB): If any suspicious nodules or abnormalities are found during the physical examination or ultrasound, a fine-needle aspiration biopsy may be performed. This procedure involves using a thin needle to collect a sample of cells from the thyroid for analysis to determine if they are benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
• Additional Imaging: Additional imaging tests, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be ordered in some cases to provide more detailed information about the thyroid and surrounding structures.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): The concentrations of red and white blood cells, haemoglobin, and platelets in your blood are determined by this test. It helps assess your overall health and detect any signs of infection or anaemia.
• Blood Coagulation Profile: This test assesses the clotting ability of your blood. It consists of the prothrombin time (PT) and the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) (aPTT). It helps ensure that your blood is capable of proper clotting and can prevent excessive bleeding during and after surgery.
• Blood Biochemistry Tests: These tests evaluate various aspects of your organ function, including liver function tests (LFTs), kidney function tests (KFTs), and electrolyte levels. They help assess the overall health of your body's systems and determine if there are any underlying conditions that need to be managed before the surgery.
• Blood Typing: Determining your blood type is important for transfusion purposes, in case it becomes necessary during the surgery.
• Viral Screening: Depending on the hospital's policy and the prevalence of certain diseases in the region, you may be screened for infections like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.