Thyroid gland
Diagnostics
Before surgery an ultrasonic examination should be performed to destine the size of the thyroid, as well as a thyroid scintigraphy (scanning) as a functional test. The thyroid hormones T3, T4 and TSH will be analyzed in a blood examination to give further information on the functional status of the thyroid.
Before surgery, suspect thyroid tumors will be punctured by a fine needle for a diagnostic biopsy.
Surgery
The surgical aim is a complete removal of the pathologic tissue, including all nodules, which can lead to a complete resection of the thyroid.
If a malignant tumor is diagnosed, the complete thyroid as well as the neighboring lymph nodes will be resected.
Surgical Risks
The main danger of a thyroid operation is the violation of the N. recurrens (nerv of the vocal chords), which can lead to hoarseness, or the violation of the parathyroid body which can cause a disorder in calcium metabolism, that leads to a tingling sensation in hands and face.
Our high quality standards demand the use of a nerv stimulator (to stimulate the N. recurrens) during surgery. This guarantees a rate as low as possible, max. 1-2%, of lasting injuries of the N. recurrens or the parathyroid body.
The danger of a re-operation because of post-operative bleeding is currently on 1,5 % . Sometimes haematoma or swellings can occur, but wound healing disorders are so rare that they can be neglected.
Special Questions
- After thyroid surgery a lifelong treatment with thyroid hormones is necessary.
- Thyroid hormones will be prescribed only after definite clarification of the benignancy of the alteration.
- If malignant thyroid tumors are detected a radioiodine therapy is necessary to avoid potential metastatic spread.
- Your stay in hospital will take 3-5 days.
- Normally, a drain is not inserted.
- The wound will be closed with invisible stitches so that a removal of sutures is obsolete.
