Goiter Surgery

An enlarged thyroid gland is called goiter. The thyroid gland is located in the neck just below the Adam's apple. You may have noticed a large mass hanging below the throat in some people. This mass is enlarged thyroid gland tissues or nodules that leads to goiter. The thyroid gland produces hormones like thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroid gland releases T4, most of which is converted to T3 outside the body. These hormones are very important for regulating the body temperature, pulse rate, digestive functions, metabolism and growth. The cause of goiter depends on the type of goiter. The following paragraphs will discuss all about goiter surgery as well as the condition itself.

What is Goiter
The non-cancerous benign growth of thyroid gland is called goiter. There are different types of goiter called the simple, hereditary and those occurring due to different causes. Simple goiters are further classified as endemic and sporadic. Simple goiters are seen in those who have inadequate supply of thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland enlarges itself to overcome this deficiency of thyroid hormone. People living in certain geographic area who do not receive enough iodine in their diet, suffer from endemic goiter. Iodine is very important essential trace mineral required to produce thyroid hormone. Sporadic causes of goiters are unknown and may occur due to certain types of drugs. Hereditary goiter is seen affecting mostly women, who are above 40 or in those who have a family history of goiter.

Other causes that may lead to development of goiter include the following:

• Radiation exposure
• Pregnancy
• Thyroid cancer
• Nodular goiter
• Hashimoto's disease
• Grave's disease

All About Goiter Surgery
Complete or partial removal of thyroid gland is called goiter surgery. The enlarged thyroid gland that presses the other structures of the throat are removed in the surgery. This is a very simple and safe procedure carried out under anesthesia. The surgeon will remove more than half of the thyroid gland or enough of it that will help reduce the goiter symptoms. Removal of thyroid gland will decrease the production of thyroid hormone and thus, the size of your goiter will be significantly reduced. The remaining thyroid gland will be able to produce enough hormones that will be sufficient for your bodies needs. If not, you may have to undergo a lifelong hormone replacement therapy.

The thyroid surgery is significantly a safe procedure. However, in some rare complications it may include post operative infections, nerve damage that help control the voice box. This may lead to a permanent hoarse voice. The parathyroid glands too, may be damaged. These glands regulate the amount of calcium in the body and their damage indicates a person may have to take calcium supplements the rest of his life. There are only 1 to 2% risk of complications associated with thyroid surgery.

Is Goiter Surgery Necessary
Many patients diagnosed with this condition ask the question, is the surgery necessary. One may have to undergo a surgery depending on the type of goiter. The doctor may prescribe anti-thyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, etc. to reduce the size of goiter or keep it under control. If the goiter continues to increase in size despite the goiter treatment given, a surgery may be advised. If the goiter compresses the trachea, that leads to persistent voice hoarseness. Multinodular goiter surgery is carried out if there are more than one isolated lumps observed. The doctor may even ask you to undergo a surgery if he feels the goiter is developing into a malignant or cancerous tissue. If one does not undergo surgery, there are chances of many different complications. These include heart failure, neck injury and thyroid crisis.

Recovery Period for Goiter Removal Surgery
When one takes about an operation, the first thing that comes to his mind is the surgery recovery time. One may feel a bit sore and have trouble swallowing. A slight pain may be experienced after the surgery that can be relieved with pain killers. A thick tube will placed in the area of the surgery for 24 hours to drain out the accumulated fluid. The recovery period for goiter surgery is about 2 weeks. One will be given medications containing thyroxines. These help in replacing the hormones that no longer will be secreted by the thyroid gland. To maintain the level of calcium in blood one will also be prescribed with calcium supplements.

This was all about goiter surgery. As you can see, this is a relative simple surgery that helps controlling the secretion of thyroid hormones. One should make sure they have iodized salt in their daily diet to keep goiter at bay. If you have a family history of goiter, make sure you get your self tested regularly for thyroid problems. If you still have any further queries regarding the surgery, speak to your doctor about it for more detailed answers.