Introduction
The thyroid gland is one of the major glands that help to regulate various hormones and plays a crucial role in maintaining the metabolic rate of the body. Surgery to the thyroid gland can impact the lifestyle of an individual in various ways, as it affects the levels of thyroid hormones.
What Is Thyroid Gland?
An essential endocrine gland that releases various hormones for the optimal functioning of the body is called the thyroid gland. It helps to control the overall metabolism of the body and helps to use energy in various ways. The gland is small and located in the front of the neck. It is butterfly-shaped and helps to transform consumed food into energy. Poor thyroid functions can impact the overall health of an individual.
What Are the Functions of Thyroid Gland?
The functions of the gland include:
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Breathing.
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Digestion.
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Regulating weight.
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Moods.
What Are the Hormones Produced by Thyroid Gland?
The gland produces hormones that are needed for various activities. Some of the hormones released by the thyroid gland are:
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Thyroxine, which is the primary hormone released by the thyroid gland. It is the least active form of thyroid and gets readily converted into triiodothyronine, which is controlled by a feedback loop system. When the hormone levels are too high, negative feedback is exerted to indicate the brain releases a less thyrotropin-releasing hormone. This helps the body to maintain a constant level of thyroid hormones. Excessive thyroxine can cause thyrotoxicosis. The main symptoms include excess sweating, poor heat tolerance, irregular menstrual cycle, and increased appetite.
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Triiodothyronine is one of the major hormones produced by the thyroid, which controls the body’s weight, temperature, and muscle strength. The hormone is available in two forms which are bound T3 and free T3. Approximately 20 percent of the hormone is released into the bloodstream, and the rest is produced by the conversion of thyroxine. The hormones play an important role in regulating metabolic rate and digestive functions. They also help to maintain bones.
Why Is Thyroid Surgery Performed?
Thyroid surgery is usually performed to treat certain disorders of the thyroid, which are very aggressive and cannot be treated with medications. In such cases, surgical intervention is required. Sometimes, thyroid surgery is also performed in patients with thyroid cancer and goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland).
What Are the Types of Thyroid Surgery?
The different types of thyroid surgery are mentioned below:
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Total Thyroidectomy - It is done in individuals with medical conditions like thyroid cancer, multinodular goiter, and Grave’s disease. The risks of the surgery include bleeding, infection, low parathyroid hormone levels, and permanent hoarseness of voice. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and a breathe-through mask is provided to the patient. During the entire procedure, the surgical team monitors the heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. During the procedure, a cut or incision is made at the center of the neck; the required portions of the gland that are infected will be completely removed. The lymph nodes are also examined in case of thyroid cancer. The procedure may take approximately one or two hours. There are various approaches for thyroidectomy:
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The conventional method involves making an incision in the center of the neck. This is commonly performed, and most people usually undergo this type of procedure.
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In the transoral approach, the thyroid gland is accessed by making an incision through the mouth.
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In the endoscopic method, a small video camera passes through the incisions, which creates clear pictures of the thyroid gland, enabling the surgeon to perform surgery with visual guidance.
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Post-surgery, the patient is monitored for any infections or complications. Some people experience neck pain or hoarse voice, although these symptoms only last for a short time. Sometimes there could be irritation in the windpipe due to the insertion of the breathing tube. The patient is usually advised to rest for ten days before performing any strenuous activity for better healing. It is better to avoid heavy sports or lifting. The scar may take up to a year to disappear, but using sunscreen can make it less visible.
The long-term effects are directly proportional to the amount of glands removed during surgery.
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Partial Thyroidectomy - In this surgery, only a part of the gland is removed, and the rest remains intact. Since the gland usually functions, the patient may not require hormone replacement therapy.
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Complete Thyroidectomy - In this case, the entire gland is removed, and the patient is advised to consume hormone replacement supplements to ensure optimal hormone balance, as the gland is unable to produce thyroid hormones.
Can Thyroid Surgeries Affect Thyroid Levels?
Post thyroid surgery, there are chances an individual’s thyroid levels could be affected. During surgical procedures like thyroidectomy, a party of the gland is removed, which significantly impairs hormone production. In case of complete removal of the thyroid gland, the patient will not be able to secrete thyroid hormones naturally. In such cases, the patient will be advised lifetime hormone replacement therapy to maintain thyroid levels. This involves administering synthetic thyroid hormones to supplement the natural hormones. At times, when only a portion of the thyroid is removed, there are chances that the hormone levels could still be impacted. Although some individuals have normal thyroid levels, some may experience fluctuations in the hormone.
Conclusion
The thyroid gland plays an important role in regulating the metabolism and maintaining the temperature and heart rate of an individual. It additionally controls hunger pangs and digestion. Disorders of the thyroid gland usually require hormonal supplements or medications to ensure the smooth functioning of the gland. However, in certain cases like thyroid cancer and overactive thyroid, their surgeon may advise thyroid gland surgery. The extent of the gland removal completely depends on the amount of infection. The surgeon may perform partial or total thyroidectomy and follow up with medications for a lifetime. So, thyroid surgeries could affect thyroid levels, although they can be replaced with medications. Post-surgery proper care is essential to prevent any complications from the surgical site. The patient must be monitored thoroughly for a speedy recovery and better quality of life.
