Total Radical Thyroidectomy

Some of the reasons a total thyroidectomy, involving the total removal of the thyroid gland, may be advocated include

• Hyperthyroidism - a condition where the thyroid gland is producing too much thyroid hormone.
• Suspected or Confirmed thyroid cancer.
• Compression - The thyroid may enlarge to such an extent that surrounding structures are compressed in the neck. These structures may include the trachea (windpipe) or oesophagus (gullet).
• Cosmetic - an enlarged thyroid may cause a lump on the front of the neck that a patient may consider unsightly.

Click here to view image - Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands

Procedure

In patients with differentiated thyroid cancer, radical surgery (thyroidectomy) involving the total removal of the thyroid gland is advocated in most cases. A radical thyroidectomy is rarely complete, as the surgeon has to preserve the parathyroid glands that subserve the body's calcium homeostasis and live within the confines of the thyroid capsular compartment. The surgeon also has to preserve the nerves to the larynx which run through the thyroid compartment. Following radical thyroidectomy for any thyroid carcinoma, the patient is placed on thyroid hormone replacement, necessarily because the normal thyroid tissue has been removed.

Total Thyroidectomy at Nova Specialty Surgery

Total Thyroidectomy is performed by expert surgeons at the following Nova Specialty Surgery Centers. Click on the location to make an appointment.

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