Procedure:
Removal of part or all of the thyroid gland through a
cut along the necklace line of the neck.
Risks of this procedure:
There are some risks/ complications, which include:
(a) Possible bleeding in the tissues of the neck
which may result in swelling about the wound or
a fluid discharge, or on rare occasions,
pressure in the wind pipe which may cause
breathing problems. This may require
emergency surgery.
(b) Rarely an important nerve in the area of the
back of the thyroid may be damaged which
could result in a permanent hoarse voice, or
difficulty with the higher pitch of the voice. It is
very common to have a temporary hoarse voice
for a few days as this operation is near the
larynx. If both of these nerves were damaged,
severe breathing difficulty may occur with the
need for respiratory support. This may be
permanent.
(c) Rarely a small gland behind the thyroid, called
the parathyroid, may be damaged and this may
result in tingling of the fingers and spasms of
the hands and toes. This is usually a
temporary problem but occasionally long term
calcium supplements are necessary.
(d) After removal of part of the gland the function of
the thyroid may decrease and you may need a
test of thyroid function in the next few months
and possible treatment for under activity of the
thyroid. With total removal of the gland, life long
medication is required.
(e) In some people healing of the wound may be
abnormal and the wound can be thickened and
red and may be painful.
(f) Increased risk in obese people of wound
infection, chest infection, heart and lung
complications and thrombosis.
(g) Increased risk in smokers of wound and chest
infections, heart and lung complications and
thrombosis.