Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery

The thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland at the front of the neck. This gland produces a hormone that helps regulate healthy body function by using iodine from our diet. It can affect things like rate of metabolism, body weight and temperature, heart rate, blood pressure. Diagnosis of thyroid problems depends on blood tests, ultrasound scans, CT scan, needle biopsies, and physical examination. At consultation your doctor will discuss your treatment and if needed, surgery.

Surgery may be indicated if the thyroid is over active (hyperthyroidism), enlarged or nodular or cancerous. Surgery can remove a lump (lumpectomy) or half the thyroid (hemi-thyroidectomy) or total thyroid gland (thyroidectomy). If the entire thyroid is removed a replacement of the thyroid hormone will be needed for the rest of the patient's life. Regular blood tests are undertaken to ensure that this replacement level is adequate.

The parathyroid glands are found near the thyroid and are as small as a grain of rice. These glands control the level of calcium in the blood which is important for healthy muscle function.

Removal of the parathyroid glands may be indicated if proven to be over active or cancerous (rare).