Frequently Asked Questions

Conventional Thyroid surgeries involve a cut in front of your neck. However as in any surgery involving the face and neck, scars will be usually only mildly noticeable

Lymph nodes are small bean shaped structures present at various locations in the body, which are helpful in the body’s immune system by filtering toxic substances that are harmful. In patients who have a diagnosis of thyroid cancer, the lymph nodes around the thyroid gland may be involved and need to be removed as part of the cancer operation – This procedure is called as Central Lymph Node Dissection.

Depending on the nature of thyroid disease or the location of the thyroid lesion, your surgeon may suggest one of the following surgeries: Hemithyroidectomy: Removal of one lobe of the thyroid and the isthmus Total Thyroidectomy: Removal of the entire thyroid gland (both lobes of the thyroid and the isthmus) leaving no tissue behind. Near Total Thyroidectomy: Occasionally, for surgical reasons, your surgeon may leave a very tiny amount of thyroid tissue behind. It is done to protect important structures that run very close to the thyroid gland in the neck.

It is usually performed for the following reasons. Goiter: Any increase in the size of a thyroid gland, from any cause, is called a goiter Increase in the size of the gland may lead to compression on the windpipe (trachea) or the food pipe (esophagus). This may warrant surgery. Even in the absence of pressure effects, a goiter can cause discomfort or cosmetically unacceptable appearance. In such a scenario you should discuss the risk and benefit of surgery with your surgeon Development of a lump (nodule) in the gland: Nodules or lumps may develop in the thyroid gland which may be single (solitary nodule) or multiple (multi-nodular goitre) The elderly are more prone to develop nodules. Nodules are seen in 50% of women and 30% of men after the age of 50. These nodules are assessed by clinical examination, ultrasound examination, needle biopsy or all three tests as your surgeon suggests Sometimes these nodules may be cancerous and your surgeon will advice surgery involving removal of the thyroid gland Over-active thyroid gland Over-active Thyroid gland secreting excessive thyroxine may sometimes require thyroidectomy Eg. Graves Disease or toxic adenoma.

The Thyroid gland is Butterfly shaped organ located in the neck sitting on your windpipe just below the adam’s apple. It has two halves (left and right lobes) connected by a central bridge (isthmus). The thyroid gland is responsible for secreting a hormone called “Thyroxine” which controls the body’s metabolism, which is essential for maintaining normal health.

Removal of the GallBladder does not alter your ability to digest food. However, you may find small and frequent are meals easier to digest in the first few days after your surgery. Increase your intake of foods at your own pace. While you do not need to keep to a specific diet after your gallbladder removal, some people find that they do not tolerate fatty foods in the initial few weeks.

The wound dressings are removed at the time of discharge in most cases. In most situations, you can have a bath or shower 48hrs after the surgery, unless specifically instructed otherwise.

Most people return to work within a week or two of the surgery. Certain specific activity restrictions such as excessive straining and lifting heavy weights will be explained to you before discharge. Similarly, the dietitian will give you instructions on the appropriate post-operative diet. It is best to fully understand the dos and don'ts before discharge to ensure a smooth and early return to normalcy.

Most Patients are discharged about 24 hours after the Surgery. Some patients may stay an additional day or two, depending on their recovery.

The gallbladder will be sent to the pathologist for examination. Your doctor will receive a full report from the pathologist after one week which will be discussed with you during your follow up visit.