Understanding Thyroid Disorders
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck that produces hormones regulating metabolism, growth, and body temperature. Various conditions may affect the thyroid gland, including:
Thyroid nodules
Thyroid cancer
Malignant growths that can vary in aggressiveness from slow-growing papillary carcinoma to more aggressive forms
Goiter
Enlargement of the thyroid gland that may cause cosmetic concerns or compression symptoms
Hyperthyroidism
Thyroiditis
Inflammation of the thyroid gland
When these conditions don’t respond adequately to medical management, or when cancer is suspected or confirmed, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Diagnostic Approach
Accurate diagnosis is essential for determining the appropriate treatment for thyroid conditions. At Premier Head and Neck Surgery, our diagnostic approach includes:
- Comprehensive physical examination of the neck
- Thyroid function blood tests (TSH, T3, T4)
- Thyroid antibody testing when autoimmune disease is suspected
- Ultrasound imaging to evaluate nodule characteristics and lymph nodes
- Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of suspicious nodules
- Advanced molecular testing of indeterminate nodules
- CT or MRI scans for larger nodules or suspected invasive disease
This multifaceted approach allows us to determine the nature of your thyroid condition and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Types of Thyroid Surgery
At Premier Head and Neck Surgery, we offer several surgical approaches for thyroid disorders, tailored to your specific condition:
Thyroid Lobectomy
- Removal of half of the thyroid gland (one lobe)
- Appropriate for isolated, suspicious nodules confined to one lobe
- Preserves some thyroid function, potentially reducing the need for lifelong hormone replacement
- Smaller incision and typically shorter recovery time
Total Thyroidectomy
- Removal of the entire thyroid gland
- Recommended for:
- Most thyroid cancers
- Large goiters affecting both lobes
- Graves’ disease not responding to medical therapy
- Multinodular disease affecting both lobes
- Requires lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy
Minimally Invasive Approaches
Whenever appropriate, we employ minimally invasive techniques for thyroid surgery:
Minimally Invasive Thyroidectomy
- Smaller incision (typically 2-3 cm)
- Less tissue dissection
- Excellent cosmetic results
- Appropriate for smaller thyroid glands and select cases
Endoscopic Thyroidectomy
- Uses small incisions and a camera system
- Further reduces visible scarring
- Appropriate for select patients with smaller thyroid glands
Remote Access Approaches
- For patients concerned about visible neck scars
- Includes transaxillary (armpit) and retroauricular (behind the ear) approaches
- Limited to carefully selected cases
Advanced Surgical Technology
Our thyroid surgeons employ state-of-the-art technology to enhance surgical precision and safety:
Intraoperative Nerve Monitoring
- Continuous monitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerves that control vocal cord function
- Reduces risk of nerve injury and voice changes
- Provides real-time feedback to the surgeon during dissection
Energy Sealing Devices
- Advanced instruments that precisely seal blood vessels
- Reduces bleeding and operative time
- Allows for more precise dissection around critical structures
Surgical Loupes and Headlights
- Magnification and enhanced illumination
- Allows for better visualization of small structures
- Contributes to more precise surgery and reduced complications