Thyroid Gland

What is the Thyroid Gland?

The thyroid is butterfly-shaped gland located just below the larynx (Adam's apple). It is a small, soft gland that wraps around the trachea (windpipe). The gland uses iodine to produce thyroid hormone, which has a key role in regulating such functions as:

• Your rate of metabolism
• Your body temperature
• Your heart rate
• Your menstrual periods
• Your mental alertness
• Growth in children

When is Thyroid Surgery Needed

Surgery of the thyroid gland may be recommended if there is:

• A lump or tumor that may be cancerous
• Enlargement (causing symptoms commonly termed a goiter)
• Overactivity (hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis)

Surgery to remove the entire thyroid gland is called a total thyroidectomy. If only a portion is removed, the operation is termed a partial, sub-total, or hemi-thyroidectomy. The metabolic functions of the thyroid are easily replaced with a well-tolerated oral medicine if loss of function or surgery makes this necessary.

How is Thyroid Surgery Usually Done

Thyroid operations are done in a hospital operating room under a general anesthetic.

An incision is made in the front of the neck along the collar line. The underlying muscles are opened to expose the thyroid gland. The surgeon then removes part or all of the thyroid gland while taking great care not to injure nearby blood vessels or nerves. Every attempt is made to preserve the parathyroid glands. Parathyroids are small glands which manufacture a hormone which controls blood calcium levels. Occasionally, a parathyroid gland may be concealed in or around part of the thyroid that is removed. The thyroid gland and parathyroid glands share some degree of blood supply. If this blood supply to a parathyroid gland is not adequate after the thyroid is removed, the parathyroid gland may be grafted into a nearby muscle within the same incision with the intention that it may recruit new blood supply from that muscle and function again in the near future. The muscles are then repaired and the skin incision is closed with sutures that will either absorb or be removed soon after your operation. Often the skin surface is sealed closed with surgical glue.

Learn More About Minimally Invasive Video Assisted Thyroid Lobectomy (Video)

Warning: This video contains graphic surgical footage and may not be suitable for all audiences.

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