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WHAT IS A THYROIDECTOMY?
A thyroidectomy is surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland, the butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck. Thyroid function controls your metabolism, energy and body temperature. There are two main types of thyroidectomy. A thyroid lobectomy removes one side of the gland, and a total thyroidectomy removes the whole gland. Both are done through a small incision in a natural crease of the neck. At North Florida Surgeons in Jacksonville, FL, our surgeons perform thyroid removal for thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules, goiter and overactive thyroid.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Thyroid surgery at North Florida Surgeons is led by Dr. Courtland Polley. Throughout the operation, the surgeon takes care to protect the nerves that control your voice and the small parathyroid glands that control your calcium level.
About half of our thyroid patients have outpatient surgery and go home the same day.
Before surgery, we review your ultrasound, biopsy and blood tests and explain which operation you need.
WHY A THYROIDECTOMY IS RECOMMENDED
THYROID CANCER OR SUSPICIOUS NODULES
When a needle biopsy shows cancer, or the result is unclear, thyroid cancer surgery removes part or all of the gland. Surgery is the main treatment of thyroid cancer and also gives a final diagnosis.
GOITER OR LARGE NODULES
An enlarged thyroid can press on the windpipe or food pipe and cause neck pressure, trouble swallowing, a feeling of choking or a visible swelling.
OVERACTIVE THYROID
For Graves disease or overactive (toxic) nodules, surgery is an option when medicine or radioactive iodine is not the right choice or has not worked.
LOBECTOMY OR TOTAL THYROIDECTOMY?
A lobectomy removes one side of the thyroid, and many patients still make enough thyroid hormone afterward. A total thyroidectomy removes the whole gland and requires a daily thyroid hormone pill. Learn more about all our thyroid and parathyroid surgery services.
RISKS TO KNOW
The most common problems are temporary: a hoarse or weak voice and low calcium in the first days or weeks. Bleeding, infection and permanent voice or calcium problems are uncommon.
HOW THE SURGERY IS DONE
A SMALL NECK INCISION
The surgeon makes a small incision in a natural skin crease at the base of the neck, so the scar usually heals into a thin line that fades over time. The operation takes about one to three hours under general anesthesia.
PROTECTING YOUR VOICE AND CALCIUM
The surgeon carefully identifies and protects the recurrent laryngeal nerves, which move the vocal cords, and keeps the parathyroid glands and their blood supply intact.
LYMPH NODES IN THYROID CANCER
For some thyroid cancers, nearby lymph nodes in the neck are removed at the same time. We work with your endocrinologist on any further treatment, such as radioactive iodine.
WHAT TO EXPECT
BEFORE SURGERY
You will have an ultrasound, a needle biopsy if needed and blood tests of thyroid hormone and calcium. Tell us about all your medicines, especially blood thinners. Read our guide to preparing for thyroid surgery.
THE DAY OF SURGERY
You are asleep under general anesthesia in the operating room. Many patients go home the same day, and others stay one night for observation. A sore throat from the breathing tube and a stiff neck are normal for a few days.
CALCIUM AND THYROID HORMONE
Your calcium level may be checked after surgery, and some patients take calcium for a short time. Call us if you feel tingling around the mouth or in the fingers. After a total thyroidectomy you start a daily thyroid hormone pill. See electrolyte imbalance after thyroidectomy.
RECOVERY
Most people return to normal daily activities within one to two weeks and avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for about two weeks. Read our full guide to thyroid surgery recovery.
OUR THYROID SURGEON
Thyroidectomy at North Florida Surgeons is performed by Dr. Courtland Polley, a board-certified general surgeon. You can also meet all our surgeons.
THYROIDECTOMY FAQS
Will I need thyroid medication after a thyroidectomy?
After a total thyroidectomy, yes: you take a daily thyroid hormone pill (levothyroxine) for life, and your dose is adjusted with blood tests. After a lobectomy, many patients do not need medication, but some do.
Will my voice change after thyroid surgery?
A hoarse or tired voice is common for a few days to weeks after surgery and usually improves on its own. Permanent voice changes are uncommon.
How big is the scar after thyroid removal?
The incision is usually a few centimeters long and is placed in a natural neck crease. Most scars fade to a thin line within a year.
How long is recovery after thyroid surgery?
Most patients go home the same day or the next morning and return to normal activities in one to two weeks. Heavy lifting and hard exercise usually wait about two weeks.
Can you live a normal life without a thyroid?
Yes. With the right dose of thyroid hormone, people without a thyroid live normal, active lives. You will need regular blood tests to keep the dose correct.
Does insurance cover thyroid surgery?
Thyroid surgery is usually covered when it is medically necessary, but coverage depends on your plan. See the insurance plans we accept or call our office.
How do I schedule a thyroidectomy consultation in Jacksonville?
Call (904) 398-0033 or use the contact form. Our office is at 836 Prudential Dr., Suite 1001, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Related: thyroid and parathyroid surgery, surgical oncology, parathyroidectomy.
