ENT surgeons (Otolaryngologists) often perform surgery for thyroid conditions. In particular, they handle surgeries such as thyroidectomy, which involves removing part or all of the thyroid gland.
Our skilled surgeons at Complete ENT specialise in head and neck surgery and have experience treating patients undergoing thyroid surgeries. The thyroid gland is located in the neck, near structures ENT specialists are very familiar with, such as the vocal cords, windpipe and oesophagus.
These are lumps or abnormal growths within the thyroid gland that may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). When a thyroid nodule is large, growing, or suspicious for cancer, an endocrine surgeon may perform a biopsy or surgically remove part of the thyroid (lobectomy) to evaluate the tissue and confirm the diagnosis. If nodules are benign but causing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, surgery may also be recommended.
Surgery is a primary treatment for thyroid cancer. An ENT surgeon can assess whether you need to have all or part of your thyroid removed. They may perform a total thyroidectomy (removal of the entire thyroid gland) or a partial thyroidectomy (removal of a portion of the thyroid) depending on the stage and type of cancer. A small incision is made in the centre of the neck for direct access. The goal is to remove the cancerous tissue while preserving nearby structures, such as the vocal cords and parathyroid glands, to minimise complications.
A goitre is an enlarged thyroid gland that may develop due to iodine deficiency, thyroid disease (like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis), or other factors. A large goitre can cause compression of the airway or oesophagus, leading to difficulty breathing or swallowing. In cases where the goitre is large, persistent, or cosmetically concerning, surgery (usually a thyroidectomy) is performed to relieve symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.
This condition occurs when the thyroid produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms like weight loss, anxiety, rapid heart rate, and heat intolerance. For patients who do not respond to medications or radioactive iodine therapy, or who experience significant side effects from these treatments, surgery may be necessary to remove part or all of the thyroid gland. Surgical treatment is often considered in conditions like Graves’ disease or toxic nodular goitre to control hormone levels and alleviate symptoms.
Thyroid surgery may be performed by endocrine surgeons as part of a broader treatment on hormone-producing glands for endocrine conditions. This includes:
When performing thyroid surgery, ENT surgeons must navigate around several critical structures in the neck to avoid complications.
Two of the most important structures they take great care to preserve are the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the parathyroid glands:
The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is responsible for controlling the muscles that move the vocal cords, which are essential for speech, breathing, and swallowing. This nerve runs very close to the thyroid gland, making it vulnerable during thyroid surgery. Damage to the RLN can result in vocal cord paralysis, leading to a hoarse voice, difficulty speaking, swallowing issues, or even breathing problems.
Our skilled ENT surgeons use advanced techniques, such as nerve monitoring during surgery, to identify and protect the RLN. Preserving this nerve ensures that the patient maintains proper vocal cord function and avoids complications that could significantly impact their quality of life.
There are four parathyroid glands located near the thyroid, and they regulate calcium levels in your body. They produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which helps control the balance of calcium in the blood and bones. If these glands are accidentally damaged or removed during thyroid surgery, it can result in a condition called hypocalcemia, where calcium levels drop too low, leading to symptoms such as muscle cramps, tingling, and even seizures.
To avoid this, our ENT surgeons meticulously preserve the parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery. If a parathyroid gland is at risk during surgery, they may even reimplant it into another location, such as a muscle in the neck, to preserve its function. This careful preservation is essential to maintaining the patient’s calcium balance and preventing long-term complications.
Our ENT surgeons rely on their in-depth knowledge of the anatomy of the neck, along with precision and advanced surgical techniques, to protect these critical structures while effectively treating thyroid issues.
After thyroid surgery, here’s what a patient can typically expect:
Hospital Stay
Most patients stay overnight for monitoring, especially after a thyroidectomy. In some cases, it may be a same-day discharge for smaller surgeries.
Post-Surgery Monitoring
Calcium levels and thyroid hormone levels are checked to ensure they are within a normal range, as the parathyroid glands (which regulate calcium) can sometimes be affected.
Thyroid Hormone Replacement: If the entire thyroid is removed, patients will likely need to start lifelong thyroid hormone replacement medication.
The ENT specialist will monitor the vocal cords, as they are located near the thyroid and could be affected by surgery, potentially leading to hoarseness or voice changes.
Surgical Site Care
The incision will be monitored for healing. Mild pain, swelling, and bruising around the neck are common and usually resolve within a few days.
Recovery Period
Patients typically experience mild discomfort for the first few days. The full recovery period can take about 1–2 weeks for less invasive surgeries or longer if complications arise.
Physical activity should be limited during the first week post-surgery, with a gradual return to normal activities.
Depending on the extent of the surgery, follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor recovery, hormone levels, and overall health.
Our ENT specialists have a thorough understanding of the anatomy surrounding the thyroid gland which allows us to manage even the most complex endocrine surgeries with precision, reducing risks and aiding in faster recovery.
At Complete ENT, we are committed to providing personalised care, from pre-surgical consultations to post-operative support, including hormone level monitoring and vocal cord function checks. We prioritise patient well-being and successful outcomes, delivering comprehensive, high-quality care for thyroid conditions.
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07 3905 5999
CompleteENT are a team of leading otolaryngologists who are proudly delivering outstanding care to adults and children with ear, nose and throat conditions in Queensland.