Goiter surgery is more common than most people realize. It is fairly common to see people with a large mass on their throat, and when asked what the problem is, the usual answer is goiter. Diet is usually the culprit. An insufficient iodine intake is the first offender. A change of diet can actually help alleviate the problem, to the point where goiter surgery may no longer be necessary. Iodine rich foods like fish, shellfish and clams are the first choice. There are, however, some places that have difficulty in acquiring these foods, like third world countries, so they suffer more from this affliction than first world countries.
Aesthetically, an enlarged thyroid is unattractive. What use the face of an angel if your throat is that of a troll?
Who needs goiter surgery?
The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped organ, located on top of the Adam’s apple, at the base of the throat.
The thyroid gland is responsible for the secretion of hormones which control for the body’s metabolism, and calcium levels in the blood. The enlargement of the gland is referred to as goiter, and is usually indicative of a lowered production of thyroid hormones, which in turn, is usually caused by an insufficient intake of iodine in the diet.
In Asia, it is well established that people living far from the sea, or where a diet of seafood is rare, are mostly affected. Iodine is sufficient in sea salt, or can be easily provided by using iodized salt, so this is a problem that can be easily corrected.
Another cause of goiter is the overproduction of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which is secreted by the pituitary gland. Basically the pituitary secretes TSH to make sure that the thyroid gland produces enough of its hormones. The increase of TSH will not make the thyroid over-produce. Instead, it will increase the size of the gland, which can be so gradual that it will take years before it is visible and palpable. There are medications that will help control this condition, however, if the treatments fail, then goiter surgery may have to be the last choice.
Goiter surgery is the partial or complete removal of the thyroid gland. This is usually indicated if the enlarged gland presses on the other adjoining structures of the throat. It is a relatively simple and safe procedure that involves general anaesthesia. The gland, once removed during goiter surgery, will be systematically checked for malignancy. The ensuing results will determine what further treatments need to be done.
Post goiter surgery
After the goiter surgery, there will be soreness felt, and swallowing may be difficult. These are temporary discomforts that can easily be relieved by pain relievers. Expect a quarter of an inch thick tube coming out of the throat right after the surgery. This is the drain that will ensure that no fluids will accumulate in the area affected. The tube will be removed after 24 hours.
Goiter surgery recovery will take about two weeks. Barring any complications, the resumption of normal activities, and relief from post goitersurgery pain is to be anticipated. After the goiter surgery, expect to be given maintenance of medications. These medicines, thyroxins, are hormone replacements which will take the place of the hormones that will no longer be secreted naturally, as the goiter surgery will have removed a hormone-producing gland. These will stabilize the metabolism of your body. In addition, calcium supplements will also be prescribed for the maintenance of calcium levels in the blood, as the goiter surgery will have removed the gland responsible for maintaining calcium levels.