Thyroidectomy
What is Thyroidectomy?
Thyroidectomy is a specialised surgical procedure that involves the removal of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of the neck, directly below the Adam’s apple. It produces hormones that regulate important bodily functions, including metabolism, energy generation, and mood. However, your ENT surgeon may recommend thyroid gland removal for cancer treatment, symptom relief from an enlarged thyroid, and hyperthyroidism management.
During a thyroidectomy, an ENT surgeon will remove part or all of the thyroid gland, which is found in the front of the neck. This surgery often requires an incision at the base of the neck. The surgeon may also need to examine and potentially remove lymph nodes around the thyroid gland to check for the spread of disease, especially in cases of thyroid cancer. This process is critical for ensuring all affected tissues are addressed, which can help prevent recurrence or manage the spread of cancer.
Patients may go home the same day after a partial thyroidectomy. However, for more extensive surgeries such as a total thyroidectomy, post-surgery admission is necessary for monitoring.
What is the Success Rate of Thyroidectomy?
Thyroidectomy is generally considered a safe surgery, particularly when performed by experienced surgeons. The success rate differs according to the specific condition being treated but is generally high. For conditions like Graves’ disease, it’s reported as an effective treatment with a lower all-cause death rate and reduced medical and psychological complications.
What are the Potential Side Effects of Thyroidectomy?
Thyroidectomy, like any surgery, carries potential risks and side effects. Common side effects include sore throat, wound pain, swelling and redness. More serious but rare risks include damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerves, which can cause permanent vocal changes. A total thyroidectomy necessitates long-term thyroid hormone replacement post-surgery. The likelihood and severity of side effects can differ significantly from patient to patient, influenced by factors like the extent of surgery and individual anatomical variations.
When should you see an ENT specialist in Singapore?
Please consult an ENT specialist if you are suffering from any ear, nose, or throat symptoms. It is also advisable to visit an ENT doctor if you experience persistent mouth breathing due to a chronic blocked nose or encounter snoring issues.
Dr Ker Liang sees adults and children for general ENT conditions and provides comprehensive management in a broad range of Ear, Nose, and Throat, as well as Head and Neck conditions. She has a special interest in treating throat and voice conditions, including persistent sore throat, voice issues, snoring, and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).
Medical Teaching
Assistant Professor Ker Liang has a passion for teaching and is an Assistant Professor with NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (YLLSOM). As the NUS-NUH Otolaryngology Department Undergraduate Medical Director, Dr Ker Liang supervises the training of medical students from YLLSOM, NUS. She is actively involved
in the training of postgraduate junior doctors and residents in the Head and Neck Surgery department. She was conferred with an Undergraduate Teaching Award by the National University Health System in 2016 for her outstanding efforts as an Otolaryngology educator.
Medical Teaching
Assistant Professor Ker Liang has a passion for teaching and is an Assistant Professor with NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (YLLSOM). As the NUS-NUH Otolaryngology Department Undergraduate Medical Director, Dr Ker Liang supervises the training of medical students from YLLSOM, NUS. She is actively involved
in the training of postgraduate junior doctors and residents in the Head and Neck Surgery department. She was conferred with an Undergraduate Teaching Award by the National University Health System in 2016 for her outstanding efforts as an Otolaryngology educator.
