The thyroid gland in your neck can sometimes develop hyperthyroidism, cancer, or other conditions that require its removal. If you need thyroid surgery, ENT and Allergy Specialists of Western PA can help. Its experienced otolaryngologists have exceptional expertise in performing thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Find out how they can help you by calling the practice's office in Sewickley, Beaver/Vanport Township, Seven Fields, or Ohio Valley in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania. Call today or schedule a consultation online.
Thyroid surgery is an operation in which the team at ENT and Allergy Specialists of Western PA removes part or all of the thyroid gland in your neck.
The thyroid gland produces hormones that help regulate vital functions such as metabolism. Certain thyroid disorders like Grave's disease cause an overproduction of hormones, resulting in a range of distressing and potentially dangerous health problems.
Medications can help bring your thyroid hormone levels back to a more normal level, but if your condition is severe or medication isn't helping, thyroid surgery might be necessary.
Other reasons for needing thyroid surgery include thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules, hyperparathyroidism, and toxic nodular goiters.
There are several kinds of thyroid surgery, including:
A total thyroidectomy involves removing the entire thyroid gland.
Hemithyroidectomy is the removal of one of the two thyroid gland lobes.
Isthmusectomy involves taking out the isthmus – a section of tissue that connects the two thyroid lobes.
The four tiny parathyroid glands are on the back of your thyroid. Parathyroidectomy is the removal of enlarged parathyroid glands.
The team at ENT and Allergy Specialists of Western PA uses advanced surgical techniques to perform thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Whenever possible, they use minimally invasive methods to reduce post-surgical pain and promote a faster recovery.
After the anesthesia takes effect, your surgeon makes a small incision at the front of your neck to access the thyroid gland. They use specially designed surgical instruments to remove all or some of your thyroid, a delicate procedure as nerves surround the gland.
In many cases, it's possible to have this surgery on an outpatient basis, so there's no overnight stay in the hospital.
When you go home, the ENT and Allergy Specialists of Western PA team gives you aftercare instructions so you can care for the wound. You shouldn't overdo it after thyroid surgery, so take a day or two to rest and avoid vigorous physical activities.
Following surgery, you might need to take thyroid hormones, especially if you have the entire gland removed. Your physician can arrange the relevant tests to ensure you get the right dose of hormones.
To find out more about thyroid surgery and how to benefit from the ENT and Allergy Specialists of Western PA team's expertise, call their nearest office or book an appointment online today.
