What To Expect From Thyroid Surgery

In some cases, medication to control thyroid disease is offered by your ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Jahangir Sharifi and Dr. Cheryl Nocon of L.A. Sinus & Allergy Specialists, may not adequately control your condition. If this happens, thyroid surgery might be necessary.

When is thyroid surgery recommended?

You may need thyroid surgery if you have:

• Thyroid Cancer: Thyroid cancer is more common in women, affecting three times as many women as men, according to the American Cancer Society. Signs of cancer can include a lump or swelling in the neck, neck pain, hoarse voice, chronic cough, or trouble swallowing or breathing.
• Goiter: A goiter occurs when the thyroid gland becomes enlarged. Surgery is usually only needed if the goiter interferes with breathing, swallowing, or comfort.
• Hyperthyroidism: If medication isn't effective, you may need surgery to treat your hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

What happens during thyroid surgery?

During thyroid surgery, your doctor will remove all or part of your thyroid gland. The butterfly-shaped gland is located at the base of your neck below your Adam's apple.

Before the surgery begins, you'll be given a general anesthetic and will be asleep during the procedure. Your surgeon will also place a breathing tube in your throat to help you breathe. After making an incision in your skin, your doctor will remove your entire thyroid (or one or more lobes), then close the incision with stitches.

Depending on your diagnosis, you may also be a candidate for endoscopic thyroidectomy. During this minimally invasive procedure, your doctor performs the surgery using tiny surgical instruments and a miniature camera. Endoscopic thyroidectomy only requires small incisions and can reduce your recovery time. Transoral thyroidectomy is another option. This surgery involves removing the thyroid through your mouth.

After you wake up from thyroid surgery in Los Angeles, CA, you may notice that your neck hurts and your voice is a little hoarse. Fortunately, these symptoms will soon improve. Some people must spend the night in the hospital after surgery, while others can go home soon after the procedure. You may need to take synthetic thyroid hormone pills every day following surgery, depending on whether all or some of your thyroid gland was removed.

Do you have questions or concerns about thyroid surgery? Call your Los Angeles, CA, ENTs, Dr. Sharifi, and Dr. Nocon of L.A. Sinus & Allergy Specialists, at (323) 226-0022 to schedule your appointment.