Thyroid Surgery
Treatment of Thyroid Nodules, Goiter and Thyroid Cancer · Modern and Safe Surgical Approach · Darıca, Kocaeli (20 minutes from Istanbul's Asian side)
What is Thyroid Surgery?
Who is it Suitable For?
Thyroid surgery is recommended in the following cases:
- Suspicious or cancerous nodules
- Large nodules (over 4 cm)
- Goiter causing swallowing or breathing difficulties
- Hyperthyroidism not responding to medication
- Rapidly growing nodules
- Large thyroid for cosmetic reasons
Types of Thyroid Surgery
Different surgical methods are applied depending on the condition:
Hemithyroidectomy (Lobectomy)
Removal of one lobe of the thyroid gland. Preferred for benign nodules. Most patients do not require hormone therapy.
- ✓Less invasive
- ✓Hormone therapy usually not needed
- ✓Faster recovery
- ✓Minimal complication risk
Total Thyroidectomy
Removal of the entire thyroid gland. Done for cancer, bilateral nodules, or Graves' disease. Lifelong hormone therapy required after surgery.
- ✓Gold standard in cancer treatment
- ✓Minimal recurrence risk
- ✓Provides complete control
- ✓Allows radioactive iodine treatment
Benefits of Surgery
Benefits achieved with modern thyroid surgery:
- Intra-operative nerve monitoring to protect the vocal cords
- Minimal 3-4 cm incision with minimal scarring
- 1-2 days hospital stay
- Curative treatment in cancer cases
- End of medication (in hyperthyroidism)
- Increase in quality of life
- Minimal risk with experienced surgeon
⚠️ Results may vary from patient to patient. Post-operative follow-up is very important.
Recovery Process
Surgery Day
Surgery lasts 1-2 hours. Performed under general anesthesia. Monitored for 4-6 hours after surgery. Vocal cord functions are preserved with nerve monitoring.
First 1-2 Days
Hospital observation. Calcium levels monitored. Normal diet begins. Most patients discharged in 1-2 days.
Follow-up Program
- • Weeks 1-2: External stitches removed
- • Weeks 2-4: Return to light activities
- • Weeks 4-6: Full recovery
- • Regular hormone level monitoring
- • Cancer follow-up (if necessary)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a thyroid nodule always require surgery?
No. Most thyroid nodules are benign. However, surgery may be necessary for large nodules, suspicious ultrasound findings, suspicious biopsy results, or cancer.
What is the risk of vocal cord damage after thyroid surgery?
With experienced surgeons and nerve monitoring, this risk is less than 1%. The nerves controlling the vocal cords are protected during surgery.
Is hormone medication necessary after surgery?
In total thyroidectomy (if entire thyroid is removed), lifelong thyroid hormone is required. In hemithyroidectomy (lobectomy), hormones are usually not needed.
How long does the surgery take and when will I be discharged?
Surgery lasts 1-2 hours. Most patients are discharged within 1-2 days. You can go home when calcium levels are stable and there are no complications.
How visible will the scar be?
With modern techniques, a minimal 3-4 cm incision is made. It is placed in neck creases. Over time, the scar fades and becomes almost invisible.
Book an Appointment for More Information
Book a detailed evaluation appointment to determine the most suitable treatment method for you.
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