THYROID SURGERY EXPLAINED
NAVIGATE YOUR HEALTH JOURNEY WITH CONFIDENCE: THYROID SURGERY BY DR SANDEEP
Thyroid disorders demand serious attention, and when surgery is necessary, Dr Sandeep’s expertise ensures you’re in capable hands. With a clear focus on achieving the best health outcomes, Dr Sandeep’s surgical process is precise, patient-focused, and aimed at delivering effective results.
THOROUGH EVALUATION AND PLANNING
Your journey begins with a thorough consultation to understand your medical history, current health status, and specific thyroid issues. Dr Sandeep’s detailed preoperative evaluation includes ultrasound imaging, fine-needle aspiration biopsies if necessary, and a review of your hormonal status to tailor a surgical plan that addresses your unique health needs.
IN-DEPTH INFORMED CONSENT
Dr Sandeep dedicates time to discuss every facet of the proposed surgical intervention, providing a comprehensive view of what to expect during and after the procedure. His philosophy centres on informed patient decisions, ensuring that you are fully aware of the benefits and potential risks associated with thyroid surgery.
RIGOROUS PRE-SURGICAL PREPARATION
Preparation is key to the success of your surgery. Dr Sandeep’s team will guide you through the necessary pre-operative preparations, including dietary restrictions, medication adjustments, and any lifestyle modifications needed to ensure optimal surgical outcomes.
Our seasoned anaesthesia team will conduct a thorough pre-anaesthetic evaluation to ensure you are in the best possible condition for your surgery.
SURGICAL PROCEDURE: DETAILED AND DELIBERATE STEPS
WELCOMING AND PREPARATION
On the day of surgery, you will be welcomed into a facility where comfort and safety are of the utmost priority. The team will prepare you for surgery, providing reassurance and answering any last-minute questions.
ANAESTHETIC ADMINISTRATION
A highly experienced anaesthesiologist will carefully administer the anaesthesia, tailored to your specific needs for a painless and comfortable surgical experience.
STRATEGIC INCISION MAKING
Leveraging his expertise in facial plastic surgery, Dr Sandeep will make carefully planned incisions that provide optimal access to the thyroid while ensuring that resultant scarring is minimal and strategically placed to be as inconspicuous as possible.
SURGICAL REMOVAL OF THYROID LUMP
Dr Sandeep performs the necessary surgical procedure, whether it’s a hemithyroidectomy, total thyroidectomy, or removal of malignant nodules, with precision and care to maintain function and aesthetics.
SAFETY FIRST
Utilizing state-of-the-art techniques, which can include nerve monitoring and minimally invasive procedures, Dr Sandeep enhances patient outcomes and safety. He focuses on preserving the integrity of external and recurrent laryngeal nerves that move the muscles of the voice box, as well as the parathyroid glands which help maintain calcium levels in the blood.
Drains are placed during the procedure to reduce the risk of hematoma, which could cause complications such as respiratory difficulties and infection.
EXPERT WOUND CLOSURE
Dr Sandeep’s proficiency in facial plastic surgery enhances his ability to close surgical incisions with exceptional skill, promoting healing and resulting in scars that are often barely perceptible.
POST-SURGICAL SUPPORT AND MONITORING
Your post-surgery journey is supported by Dr Sandeep’s comprehensive care, including pain management, wound care designed to promote healing, and hormonal therapy if needed.
Regular follow-ups are scheduled to monitor healing and endocrine function, adjusting treatment as required for your optimal recovery to support your return to normalcy.
THOROUGH POSTOPERATIVE CARE WITH AESTHETIC FOCUS
Following surgery, you will receive individualized attention to facilitate a smooth recovery.
- Drains, placed to prevent fluid build-up, are generally removed within the first 1-2 days post-operation.
- Sutures, if non-dissolvable, are usually removed after 5-7 days, depending on the healing progress.
- To ensure scars remain barely visible, we may apply silicone gel or recommend TriLuma for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) management.
- Vigilant sun avoidance and the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen are crucial for protecting healing skin and enhancing the appearance of surgical sites.
POTENTIAL RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS
Thyroid surgery, while generally safe and effective when performed by experienced surgeons, does carry potential risks and complications, as with any surgical procedure. Here is a detailed look at the risks and potential complications associated with thyroid surgery:
BLEEDING AND HEMATOMA
Any surgery can result in bleeding during or after the procedure. In thyroid surgery, this can lead to a hematoma, which is a collection of blood that may accumulate near the surgical site. In some cases, it may require surgical drainage.
INFECTION
The risk of infection is present with any surgery. If an infection occurs at the site of the incision, it typically can be managed with antibiotics.
HYPOCALCEMIA
Since the parathyroid glands, which control calcium levels in the body, are located behind the thyroid gland, they can be inadvertently damaged or removed during surgery. This can lead to low calcium levels, or hypocalcaemia, which may require calcium supplementation or other treatments.
VOCAL CORD PARALYSIS
The nerves that control the vocal cords, particularly the recurrent laryngeal nerve, run very close to the thyroid gland and can be injured during surgery. This can lead to vocal cord paralysis, hoarseness, voice changes, or difficulty breathing.
THYROID STORM
This is a rare but life-threatening complication that can occur if a patient with hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) undergoes surgery without proper preoperative treatment to control thyroid hormone levels.
THYROID HORMONE IMBALANCE
After thyroid surgery, particularly if most or all of the thyroid is removed, patients may require lifelong supplementation with thyroid hormones to maintain normal metabolic function.
SCARRING
While surgeons make an effort to minimize and conceal incisions, there will be some form of scarring after thyroid surgery. The severity of scarring can vary based on the individual’s healing process.
CHANGES TO VOICE AND SWALLOWING
Some patients may experience temporary or, less commonly, permanent changes to their voice or swallowing ability after thyroid surgery due to nerve irritation or damage.
LYMPHOEDEMA
In cases where lymph nodes are removed during surgery, there can be a risk of lymphoedema, which is swelling due to lymph fluid build-up in the tissues.
NEED FOR ADDITIONAL SURGERY
If not all the diseased thyroid tissue is removed during the initial surgery, or if there are postoperative complications, additional surgery may be needed.
ANAESTHETIC COMPLICATIONS
Risks of general anaesthesia in thyroid surgery include respiratory complications, such as airway obstruction and postoperative breathing difficulties, primarily due to the surgery’s proximity to the trachea and larynx.
Cardiovascular risks involve fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate, and in rare cases, arrhythmias or cardiac arrest.
Anaesthetic awareness, a rare condition where patients become conscious during surgery without feeling pain, can occur.
Additionally, there’s a risk of allergic reactions to anaesthetic drugs, ranging from mild to severe. Proper management and vigilant monitoring by anaesthesiologists are crucial to minimize these risks, ensuring patient safety during thyroid surgery.
PRIORITIZE YOUR WELL-BEING: ADDRESS THYROID NODULES PROMPTLY!
Are neck bulges or changes in your voice causing you concern? Immediate attention to thyroid nodules is crucial—they could be signs of more significant health issues. Regardless of age, no one is immune to the potential complications that can arise from untreated nodules, which may lead to severe consequences, including respiratory challenges or the need for intricate medical procedures.
Don’t underestimate thyroid nodules. The time for action is immediate!
Work with Dr Sandeep for an expert evaluation of your thyroid health. Book your consultation with Dr Sandeep for personalized guidance and a care plan tailored to your needs.