Hemithyroidectomy
What is a Hemithyroidectomy?
Hemithyroidectomy, also known as thyroid lobectomy or partial thyroidectomy, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of one lobe or half of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a bilobed, butterfly-shaped gland present at the base of your neck. The thyroid gland produces hormones that control your metabolism.
Indications for Hemithyroidectomy
Hemithyroidectomies are performed for diseases or abnormalities contained within one lobe of the thyroid gland or if removal of a part of the gland can treat the condition such as:
- Indeterminate thyroid nodules
- Nodules causing symptoms
- Follicular neoplasm
- Nontoxic goitre
Preparation for Hemithyroidectomy
- Before the surgery, you will receive a complete medical evaluation and your doctor will discuss your surgery in detail.
- Your doctor will perform a physical exam and take a medical history.
- Talk to your doctor about the medicines you are taking prior to the procedure and allergies to any medicines or anaesthesia.
- A nasoendoscopy may be performed to assess the health and function of your vocal cords.
- Do not eat or drink 6-8 hours before the surgery.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery.
Procedure for Hemithyroidectomy
- The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia.
- Your surgeon makes an incision of about 4-6 centimetres in the centre of your neck after the anaesthesia has taken effect.
- The surgeon removes the diseased lobe or part of the thyroid gland while ensuring the surrounding anatomical structures are not injured.
- In a minority of patients, a small tube (catheter) is inserted to drain accumulated blood and fluids. The incisions are then closed with stitches or sutures.
- It normally takes one to two hours to complete the procedure.
Postoperative Care after Hemithyroidectomy
After the surgery, you will be monitored for a few hours and will normally be able to return home the same day. Eating and drinking maybe a little painful initially. Pain medication will be prescribed by your doctor. You can normally resume routine activities of daily living almost immediately. However, strenuous activity should be avoided until 2-4 weeks when you are fully recovered.
Risks and Complications of Hemithyroidectomy
Some of the risks and complications of hemithyroidectomy include:
- Anaesthesia complications
- Wound infection
- Nerve injury