Thyroidectomy removes part or all of the thyroid gland in the neck. It is considered for nodules with suspicious features, thyroid cancer, a large goitre that presses on the windpipe or swallowing passage, and certain overactive thyroid conditions. The extent of surgery depends on the diagnosis, and each case is planned after clinical examination, ultrasound and tissue testing.
How the Procedure Can Help
Thyroidectomy removes diseased tissue and treats thyroid cancer where present. It also relieves pressure symptoms from a large goitre and controls an overactive gland that medicines cannot manage.
Risks and Considerations
Risks include injury to the voice nerve causing hoarseness, low calcium levels, bleeding and a neck scar. Patients who have the whole gland removed need lifelong thyroid tablets and regular blood tests.
Parathyroidectomy removes an overactive parathyroid gland, one of four small glands behind the thyroid that regulate calcium. It is advised for primary hyperparathyroidism, where high calcium causes kidney stones, bone thinning or fatigue. Blood tests and imaging locate the affected gland before surgery.
How the Procedure Can Help
Parathyroidectomy brings calcium levels back to normal, which protects bones and kidneys. It can also relieve symptoms linked to high calcium, such as tiredness and bone pain.
Risks and Considerations
Temporary low calcium, voice nerve injury and the chance that the problem persists are possible. Calcium levels are checked after surgery, and supplements may be advised.
Parotidectomy removes a growth from the parotid gland, the main salivary gland in front of the ear, with the facial nerve identified and protected throughout. It is advised for tumours in the cheek or in front of the ear, most of which are not cancerous but still need removal. The extent of surgery depends on the size and type of tumour.
How the Procedure Can Help
Parotidectomy removes the tumour completely and provides a tissue diagnosis. It aims to preserve facial movement while treating the growth.
Risks and Considerations
Temporary facial weakness, numbness around the ear and a visible scar are possible, and permanent weakness is uncommon. Some patients notice sweating over the cheek while eating, known as Frey's syndrome.
Neck dissection removes lymph nodes from the neck, along with nearby tissue where required. It is used when cancer from the throat, mouth, thyroid or skin has spread, or is likely to spread, to the lymph nodes. The extent depends on the location and stage of the cancer, and nerves and structures that can be preserved are protected. As an ENT hospital in Mumbai with dedicated head and neck surgeons, Apex plans this surgery as part of a coordinated treatment plan.
How the Procedure Can Help
Neck dissection removes cancer-bearing nodes and shows how far the disease has spread, which guides further treatment. It improves the chance of controlling the cancer within the neck.
Risks and Considerations
Shoulder weakness, neck numbness, fluid collection and nerve injury are possible. Physiotherapy after surgery helps shoulder and neck recovery.
Laryngectomy removes the larynx, or voice box, and creates a permanent opening in the neck for breathing. It is advised for advanced laryngeal cancer when less extensive treatment cannot control the disease. Because the procedure changes voice and breathing, the team discusses speech rehabilitation options with the patient and family well before surgery.
How the Procedure Can Help
Laryngectomy removes the cancer and offers the best chance of long-term control in advanced disease. It can be followed by voice rehabilitation, including speech valves and other methods, so that patients can communicate again.
Risks and Considerations
Natural voice is lost, and swallowing difficulties, wound leakage, and narrowing of the neck opening can occur. Lifelong stoma care and structured speech therapy are part of recovery.
