Thyroid Surgery in Peoria

What does the thyroid do?

Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that produces hormones important for good health and well-being. Your thyroid also regulates your metabolism to help you maintain a healthy weight.

When the thyroid isn’t working properly, you can experience a wide range of symptoms, some of which can be severe enough to interfere with your health and quality of life.

Why do I need thyroid surgery?

Your Center for Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery provider may recommend thyroid surgery to treat thyroid cancer or to remove an obstruction, such as a nodule or goiter, that interferes with your ability to swallow or breathe.

There are several types of thyroid surgeries available, and your CMIRS surgeon can determine which is right for you based on your specific condition.

What happens during thyroid surgery?

If you’re having thyroid surgery to remove a goiter or nodule on the gland, your CMIRS surgeon may opt to remove both the obstruction and part of your thyroid. To remove growths, including cancerous tumors, your surgeon may perform a total thyroidectomy, where they remove most or all of the thyroid tissue.

In some cases, you may need a surgical procedure that allows your CMIRS surgeon the opportunity to perform a biopsy, where they remove a portion of abnormal tissue to analyze it further for cancer.

The skilled surgeons at the Center for Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery determine which type of surgery is necessary after a full review of your medical history and your current thyroid condition. They often use minimally invasive techniques, with the goal of alleviating symptoms and restoring balance to your body.

The CMIRS surgical team also offers da Vinci® robotic surgery that uses specialized computer-assisted surgical instruments that allow your surgeon more precision during thyroid surgery.

What can I expect after thyroid surgery?

Following minimally invasive surgery, you can expect to go home and rest. You may need to limit your activities for several days as your incision heals. Your Center for Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery provider can recommend the right time to return to work and resume your usual routine depending on your healing progress.

If part or all of your thyroid needs to be removed during thyroid surgery, your CMIRS surgeon may need to prescribe medications to rebalance your hormones. Not everyone will need hormone therapy if only part of their thyroid is removed. If you need a total thyroidectomy, you can expect to take daily hormones for the rest of your life.

Find out if you’re a candidate for thyroid surgery by calling the Center for Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery or booking a consultation online today.