Hemithyroidectomy
This is a surgery performed to remove one of the thyroid lobes. This surgery is considered ideal for removing a solitary thyroid nodule.
Hemithyroidectomy surgery is carried out in cases:
Where a patient is suspected of thyroid cancer.
Hyperthyroidism
Cosmetic reasons (lumps)
Hemithyroidectomy: Surgery Procedures
Hemithyroidectomy is the surgical removal of the thyroid glands.
Hemithyroidectomy is used to treat thyroid disorders like non-cancerous enlargement of the thyroid, overactive thyroid, suspicious thyroid nodules, and cancer as well.
It is a minimum surgical procedure that comes with a minimum risk of damaging the parathyroid or the laryngeal nerves. The surgery is done under general anesthesia.
Hemithyroidectomy: Post Surgery Procedures
The procedure requires the patient to be hospitalized overnight.
The patient can return to routine in a week’s time, under dedicated post-surgery care.
Hemithyroidectomy side effects wound site might catch the infection and needs to be taken care of.
The wound site might become red and swollen.
There are chances of weight gain due to low thyroid function.
Risks associated with Hemithyroidectomy:
Injury to the nerves which supply the voice box.
There is a possible chance of hurting the nerves to the voice box that runs in close proximity to the thyroid gland. This is an expert process carried out by a thyroid surgeon.
Injury to the parathyroid glands too are located in close proximity to the thyroid and regulate the body’s blood calcium level. The parathyroid glands have the same blood supply as the thyroid and there are chances of them getting injured during hemithyroidectomy.
The thyroid gland is located in the throat region and even a small amount of blood collected around the throat may lead to critical issues like swelling and breathing problems.
A permanently hoarse or defective voice due to nerve damage.
