Our Summary

This study looks at the connection between the number of thyroid surgeries a surgeon performs and the chances of accidentally removing the parathyroid glands during those surgeries. The parathyroid glands help control the body’s calcium levels, so accidentally removing them can lead to problems with low calcium levels. The study found that surgeons who do more thyroid surgeries are less likely to accidentally remove the parathyroid glands. This was true even when the surgeons were also removing lymph nodes from the neck, which can increase the risk of accidentally removing the parathyroid glands. However, the study also found that accidentally removing the parathyroid glands was more likely to happen if the surgeon had less experience, if the thyroid disease had spread beyond the thyroid, or if the surgery was being done as a preventative measure or as a treatment for thyroid cancer. The study suggests that having more experienced surgeons do these types of surgeries could help prevent complications.

FAQs

  1. Does the number of thyroid surgeries a surgeon performs affect the chances of accidentally removing the parathyroid glands?
  2. What could be the potential complications if the parathyroid glands are accidentally removed during thyroid surgery?
  3. What factors might increase the likelihood of accidentally removing the parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

Therefore, it is important to find a surgeon who has experience in performing thyroid surgeries, especially if you are having a more complex procedure or if you have thyroid disease that has spread. Make sure to discuss the surgeon’s experience and ask about their complication rates before proceeding with the surgery. Additionally, follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and monitor for any signs of low calcium levels, such as muscle cramps or tingling in the hands and feet. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your thyroid hormone levels and overall health.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for thyroidectomy include:

  1. Patients with thyroid cancer: Thyroidectomy is often recommended for patients with thyroid cancer to remove the cancerous thyroid tissue.
  2. Patients with large thyroid nodules: Thyroidectomy may be recommended for patients with large thyroid nodules that are causing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing.
  3. Patients with hyperthyroidism: Thyroidectomy may be recommended for patients with hyperthyroidism who do not respond to other treatments or who have a large goiter.
  4. Patients with thyroid nodules that are suspicious for cancer: Thyroidectomy may be recommended for patients with thyroid nodules that are suspicious for cancer based on imaging studies or biopsy results.
  5. Patients with thyroid nodules that are causing compressive symptoms: Thyroidectomy may be recommended for patients with thyroid nodules that are causing compressive symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing.
  6. Patients with recurrent thyroid nodules: Thyroidectomy may be recommended for patients with recurrent thyroid nodules that continue to grow or cause symptoms despite previous treatments.
  7. Patients with autoimmune thyroid disease: Thyroidectomy may be recommended for patients with autoimmune thyroid disease such as Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis who do not respond to other treatments.

Timeline

Before thyroidectomy:

  • Patient may experience symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, and difficulty swallowing due to thyroid issues
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as blood tests, ultrasound, and biopsy to determine the need for thyroid surgery
  • Surgery is scheduled and patient meets with surgeon to discuss the procedure and potential risks
  • Patient may need to undergo pre-operative preparations such as adjusting medications and fasting before surgery

After thyroidectomy:

  • Patient is monitored in the recovery room for any immediate complications such as bleeding or difficulty breathing
  • Patient may experience temporary hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or numbness in the neck due to the surgery
  • Patient is given instructions for post-operative care, including wound care, pain management, and activity restrictions
  • Patient may need to take thyroid hormone replacement medication for the rest of their life to regulate hormone levels
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor recovery and adjust medication dosages as needed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How many thyroidectomies have you performed?
  2. What is your experience with removing the parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery?
  3. What is your protocol for preventing accidental removal of the parathyroid glands?
  4. What are the potential complications of thyroidectomy, including accidental removal of the parathyroid glands?
  5. How will my calcium levels be monitored post-surgery?
  6. What is the likelihood of needing thyroid hormone replacement therapy after thyroidectomy?
  7. What is the expected recovery time after thyroidectomy?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options to thyroidectomy?
  9. What are the long-term effects of thyroidectomy on my overall health?
  10. Can you provide me with any resources or additional information about thyroidectomy and its potential complications?

Reference

Authors: Barrios L, Shafqat I, Alam U, Ali N, Patio C, Filarski CF, Bankston H, Mallen-St Clair J, Luu M, Zumsteg ZS, Adashek K, Chen Y, Jain M, Braunstein GD, Sacks WL, Ho AS. Journal: Surgery. 2021 May;169(5):1145-1151. doi: 10.1016/j.surg.2020.11.023. Epub 2021 Jan 11. PMID: 33446359