If you are struggling with thyroid issues, whether from hormones or a cancerous nodule, it can be stressful to understand what to expect from treatment. The surgery center at Santiam Hospital in the Mid-Willamette Valley, OR, specializes in a number of different procedures, including thyroid surgery. If you’re facing thyroid surgery and aren’t sure what to expect, help ease your mind by learning more about the procedure you’ll undergo.

Understanding a Thyroidectomy

The main thyroid procedure performed at a surgery center is a thyroidectomy. During a thyroidectomy, the surgeon will remove part or all of the gland. This surgery is typically recommended to treat individuals with thyroid cancer, enlargement of the thyroid gland, or an overactive thyroid.

Thyroidectomies are performed under general anesthesia and may require a small incision in the center of your neck, or a small series of incisions surrounding the thyroid. Both methods are safe, and the result is the same, part or all of your thyroid gland will be removed depending on the reason for the surgery. After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room to come out of anesthesia and will be updated and evaluated there. Your doctor may require you to spend the night at the surgery center, or you may be allowed to go home depending on the outcome of your surgery.

Surgery Recovery

Recovery is typically simple and may cause a sore throat or hoarseness for a few days following the procedure. You will be able to eat and drink normally and can resume most regular activities; however, vigorous exercise should be avoided for 10-14 days after your surgery. If a complete thyroidectomy is performed, you will likely require hormone replacement medication to keep your system regulated. If a partial thyroidectomy is necessary, you may not require medication if your gland is still producing hormones.

The surgery center at Santiam Hospital offers a compassionate and knowledgeable staff, in addition to modern treatments and procedures. If you are located in the Mid-Willamette Valley community and require medical care, visit Santiam Hospital to find out more about how they can treat you. To learn about their services and physicians, contact the hospital at (503) 769-2175 or visit their website.