Thyroid surgery (endocrine surgery)

The term ‘thyroid surgery’ covers surgical treatment for all diseases of the thyroid and parathyroid glands.

The thyroid gland is a walnut-sized, butterfly-shaped organ located in the lower part of the neck. It is an important hormone gland in the body, because it produces the two hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). The thyroid also produces the hormone calcitonin. These hormones are used in the body’s complex metabolic processes, which include regulating the basal metabolic rate, heart function and blood calcium levels.

Closely linked to the thyroid gland are the parathyroid glands. These are attached to the rear wall of the thyroid gland and produce another hormone that keeps the level of calcium in the blood constant.

Thyroid disorders
Treatment methods
FAQs

Thyroid disorders

The thyroid gland has a significant influence on vital metabolic processes in the body. It produces the two hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and tetraiodothyronine (T4) and releases them into the bloodstream, which in turn affects the heart and circulatory system, the nervous system, growth and digestion. Thyroid disease causes an imbalance in these vital metabolic processes. The thyroid then produces too little or too much hormone, which can lead to various disorders. Thyroid dysfunction can occur at any point in a person’s life, but becomes more and more likely with age.

The most common disorders include:

Treatment methods

The spectrum of endocrine surgery includes operations on the thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal gland. Complex findings are discussed on an interdisciplinary basis with endocrinology specialists, who work together to establish the indications. The most common procedures performed on the thyroid gland include:

  • thyroid surgery for benign changes
  • oncological thyroid and lymph node surgery for cancer
  • minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (complete removal of the thyroid gland)
  • minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy (complete removal of the parathyroid glands)
  • recurrent operations on the thyroid and/or parathyroid glands (if the problem recurs and a second procedure is required)
  • surgical treatment of primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism (overfunction of the parathyroid glands)
  • conventional and laparoscopic surgery for malignant and benign adrenal pathologies (transabdominal laparoscopic adrenalectomy/removal of the adrenal gland)
  • standardised neuromonitoring during thyroid and parathyroid gland surgery and intraoperative monitoring with rapid PTH testing in cases of parathyroid gland hyperfunction

When half of the thyroid gland has had to be removed (hemithyroidectomy), in most cases the remaining half is able to ensure the body is supplied with sufficient thyroid hormones. In cases where entire thyroid gland has been removed, the patient will need hormone replacement therapy.

Article by Dr Wille: www.pyramide.ch/de/klinik/fachartikel/weitere-fachgebiete/schilddruesenknoten-minimalinvasiv-behandeln/

FAQs

What kind of doctor examines the thyroid gland?

The thyroid gland is examined either by a specialist in internal medicine or endocrinology. Endocrinology specialists also specialise in thyroid diseases. Endocrinology deals with all diseases related to hormones.

Which doctor specialises in thyroid surgery?

Thyroid surgery is a specialist field of surgery. Thyroid specialists are mostly visceral surgeons or surgeons with special training in thyroid surgery.

Is it possible to live without your thyroid gland?

No – you cannot survive without the thyroid gland and the hormones it produces. Therefore, as soon as the thyroid gland fails to produce the necessary hormones on its own, hormone replacement therapy will need to be used to replace these hormones.

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