Thyroid Surgery

The thyroid is a gland located at the base of the neck that is responsible for producing a hormone that helps regulate the speed of your metabolism. The thyroid can require medical intervention if it has become underactive, overactive, enlarged, or if cancerous masses are found. When the thyroid is not performing normally, it can cause weight fluctuations, fatigue, mood changes, and more.

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At SFENTA, our specialists are skilled in performing thyroid surgery. Also known as a thyroidectomy, this surgery removes a piece or the entirety of the thyroid gland. While there are some other treatment options available for certain thyroid conditions, there are circumstances in which surgery is the best option.

The Procedure

During a thyroidectomy, general anesthesia will be used. This ensures you remain comfortably asleep during the procedure and keeps your muscles relaxed. The surgeon will create an incision along the base of the neck to access the thyroid. The incision will be placed along a crease to ensure that scarring is minimized. Next, the surgeon will remove a piece of the gland or remove it in its entirety.

Conditions Treated Through Thyroidectomy

A thyroidectomy can be used to treat certain medical conditions, including:

Thyroid nodules
Thyroid cancer
Thyroid goiters

Surgery can also be used to treat some thyroid conditions that have not responded to medications, including hyperthyroidism.

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Benefits of Thyroid Surgery

The thyroidectomy can help patients restore their normal thyroid function or address unpleasant symptoms of thyroid conditions. By removing a portion or the gland completely, patients can find permanent relief.

The surgery can also remove growths and masses from the thyroid that interfere with swallowing or may compress the trachea. It’s important to have these growths removed, as they could be cancerous. Your surgical procedure will also require just a few days of downtime, and only leaves a small scar that is often concealed in the crease of the neck.

About SFENTA

SFENTA is South Florida’s premier destination for thyroid care and surgery. Since our formation over 30 years ago, we’ve been providing patients with comprehensive care for the ear, nose, and throat. Our goal is to provide each patient with:

Patient-Centered Care

Our providers will develop a customized treatment plan to address your unique symptoms, ensuring the treatment fits into your lifestyle.

Continuity of Care

Our physicians believe in finding long-term care solutions that address each of your unique symptoms.

A Network of Highly Trained Physicians

With over 50 highly-trained ENT providers, we’ve built an unrivaled network that thrives through collaborative care.

The Security of a Community Staple

SFENTA has been helping patients in South Florida for over three decades, so you can feel confident that you're in excellent hands with us.

Who is a Candidate?

If you’re interested in thyroid surgery, the providers at SFENTA can evaluate if you are a good candidate. During your evaluation, they will examine your thyroid, discuss your symptoms, and go over the available methods for your treatment. In some cases, medication is used prior to surgery.

The most common candidates for thyroid surgery are those with thyroid masses, an enlarged thyroid, or those who have thyroid cancer. Surgery may also be an option for individuals who have tried medication to re-balance their thyroid but have been unsuccessful.

Thyroid Surgery Steps

Before surgery can be scheduled, an evaluation with one of our providers will be required. This helps ensure that the surgery is the best fit to treat your thyroid condition. When it’s time for surgery, general anesthesia will be administered to help minimize pain while keeping you relaxed. Next, the surgeon will make an incision along the crease of the neck.

This allows the surgeon to access the thyroid and remove a portion, or the complete gland. The recovery process will vary from patient to patient, but it may include an overnight stay. You will then be able to recover at home. Patients should plan to recover at home for several days before returning to regular activities.

FAQ

Will the surgery permanently stop the symptoms of my thyroid condition?

If your provider determines that the entirety of the thyroid should be removed, this will permanently stop your symptoms.

How can I find out if I’m a candidate?

To find out if you are a candidate for thyroid surgery, schedule an appointment with one of our providers by contacting our office.