The metabolic functions of the thyroid are easily replaced with a well-tolerated oral medicine if dysfunction or surgery makes this necessary. Thyroid operations are done in a hospital operating room under a general anesthetic. An incision is made in the front of the neck along the collar line. The underlying muscles are opened to expose the thyroid gland. The surgeon then removes part or all of the thyroid gland while taking great care not to injure nearby blood vessels or nerves.
Every attempt is made to preserve the parathyroid glands.
Parathyroids are small glands which manufacture a hormone which controls blood calcium levels. Occasionally, a parathyroid gland may be concealed in or around part of the thyroid that is removed. The thyroid gland and parathyroid glands share some degree of blood supply. The muscles are then repaired and the skin incision is closed with sutures that will either absorb or be removed soon after your operation.