It is a surgical procedure that involves the complete or partial removal of the thyroid gland in the neck. What is goiter surgery? It is applied in cases such as goiter, nodule formation, thyroid cancer or hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland regulates the body's metabolism. Therefore, the decision to undergo surgery is carefully evaluated.
In Which Situations Is Goiter Surgery Necessary?
The surgery involves surgically removing all or part of the thyroid gland. This procedure is performed in cases that cause serious health problems in the thyroid gland. Situations where it is necessary can be grouped under several main headings. If the thyroid gland enlarges, it can put pressure on the breathing and esophagus. This condition may cause breathing and swallowing difficulties and may require surgery. The possibility of thyroid nodules being malignant (cancerous) requires surgery. Surgical intervention is required in patients diagnosed with cancer. If the thyroid gland produces excessive hormones, drug treatment is sometimes insufficient. In this case, surgery is recommended, especially if there is toxic multinodular goiter. Large goiter may cause discomfort in terms of appearance. This may lead the person to request surgery. Large cysts in the thyroid gland can damage surrounding tissues. Rapidly growing nodules may also cause a condition requiring surgery. The decision for goiter surgery is made by taking into consideration the patient's general health condition and the characteristics of the goiter. In this process, the doctor's detailed examinations and evaluation of the patient are important.
What is Goiter Surgery? How To?
Surgery refers to the surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck. It produces hormones that regulate metabolism. Surgery is usually performed in cases such as overgrowth of the thyroid gland, nodule formation or suspicion of cancer. This process is applied to eliminate health problems. It also aims to improve patients' quality of life. Before the surgery, the patient's general health condition is evaluated in detail. Examinations such as blood tests, ultrasound and, if necessary, biopsy are performed. Surgery planning is based on the size and location of the goiter and the age of the patient. Surgical intervention is performed with general anesthesia. During the surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision in the neck area. The thyroid gland is carefully removed. If there is a risk of nodule or cancer, surrounding tissues and lymph nodes are also examined. The surgery usually takes 1 or 2 hours. The patient can be discharged in a short time. After the surgery, the patient should rest for a while. Must follow the doctor's recommendations. If the thyroid gland is completely removed, the patient can use thyroid hormone medications for life. The healing process is fast. The risk of complications is low. Goiter surgery is an effective method to solve serious health problems related to the thyroid gland. Thanks to modern surgical techniques, surgery is performed safely. In this way, the quality of life of patients increases.
What is the Recovery Process After Goiter Surgery?
The recovery process after goiter surgery depends on the health of the patient. The scope of the surgery and surgical techniques also affect this process. The healing process is fast. The patient can return to daily life in a short time. However, there are points to pay attention to. After the surgery, the patient may have a slight pain or feeling of tension in the neck area. It is controlled with painkillers. Since there is a small incision in the neck, taking care of the stitch area is important. Dressing should be done as recommended by the surgeon. Hygiene rules must be followed. He is discharged in 1-2 days. Soft and easily swallowable foods should be preferred in the first days after surgery. Neck movements should be done slowly and sudden movements should be avoided. Most patients can return to activities within 1 week. However, heavy exercise and strenuous activities should be avoided. If the thyroid gland is completely removed, patients may need to use thyroid hormone medications for life. These drugs provide the hormones the body needs and regulate metabolism. Hormone levels should be monitored with regular doctor checks. The risk of complications after surgery is generally low. However, hoarseness, infection or thyroid hormone imbalances may occur, although rarely. When such situations occur, a doctor should be consulted immediately. Patients can recover quickly if attention is paid to the post-operative recovery process. This situation, what is goiter surgery? It provides a return to a healthy and quality life for those who are looking for an answer to the question.