Thyroid Surgery
The Thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the bottom of the neck in front of our windpipe. It releases the hormone which helps to control our metabolism, growth, and development.
Thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of part or all of your thyroid gland. This may be required due to cancer, non-cancerous enlargement (Goitre) or due to overactivity (Grave’s Disease). The amount of thyroid that may need to be removed depends on the condition being treated.
Should all the Thyroid be removed then you will require thyroid hormone replacement daily for the rest of your life. If only part of the gland is removed, then the remaining portion may still function normally and provide adequate hormone.
The Thyroid gland is in close proximity to two nerves (one on each side) which supply the voice box. Injury to these nerves could result in a hoarse voice, difficulty breathing or aspiration. It is therefore important that Thyroidectomy is performed by an experienced surgeon.
The parathyroid glands (see Parathyroid Surgery) also lie close to or sometimes within the Thyroid gland. Injury to these glands during Thyroid surgery can result in low calcium levels and the requirement for supplementation.
For Thyroid surgery in Sydney contact Dr. Peter Floros.
Dr. Peter Floros acknowledges and pays respect to the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and work across Australia; we pay our respects to the elders, past, present and emerging. We encourage our staff and clients to join us wherever they are in Australia by being informed about whose land they are on and paying their respects.