Thyroidectomy treatment in Kolkata

What is Thyroidectomy?

Thyroidctomy is a surgical procedure performed to eliminate all or part of the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ that produces hormones regulating metabolism, body temperature, and heart rate. This surgical procedure is intended to treat several thyroid conditions like thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules, thyroid inflammation, and an overactive thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism. If you're considering a thyroidectomy, reach out to us, or book a direct appointment with our ENT specialist At the CMRI Hospital Kolkata for safe and effective surgery.

Benefits of Thyroidectomy

Thyroidectomy offers certain benefits to people who have thyroid-related conditions such as:

Symptom Relief: It helps in alleviating symptoms like breathing issues, reducing neck swelling, and difficulty swallowing due to an enlarged thyroid.
Cancer Treatment: This surgical procedure is an effective treatment to remove thyroid cancer, possibly preventing its transmission to other parts of the body.
Hyperthyroidism Control: Thyroidectomy offers a lasting solution to treat hyperthyroidism when other treatment options are not effective or are not suitable.
Improved Quality of Life: It helps in reducing the symptoms of thyroid disorders, hence, improving overall well-being and regular functioning.

Types of Thyroidectomy

There are several different thyroidectomy types:

Total Thyroidectomy: This type involves removing the thyroid gland and is often performed to treat thyroid cancer or hyperthyroidism
Partial Thyroidectomy: In this type, the surgeon removes the small portion of the thyroid gland to treat benign thyroid nodules or a unilateral goitre.
Thyroid Lobectomy: This type involves the removal of one lobe of the thyroid gland and is usually performed when a nodule is restricted to one lobe or for thyroid disease cases that are not severe.

Why is Thyroidectomy Performed?

Thyroidectomy is initiated to treat several thyroid-related conditions such as:

Thyroid Cancer: It helps treat thyroid cancer and prevent its spread in the different parts of the body by removing the cancerous thyroid tissue.
Goitre: Thyroidectomy is recommended to treat this non-cancerous enlargement of the thyroid that causes discomfort, difficulty swallowing, or breathing issues.
Hyperthyroidism: This surgical method treats an overactive thyroid that does not respond to other treatments, leading to symptoms like rapid heart rate, weight loss, and anxiety.
Thyroid Nodules: Suspicious or symptomatic nodules that may be cancerous or cause discomfort are treated with thyroidectomy.
Recurrent Thyroid Inflammation: Thyroidectomy also treats chronic thyroiditis (inflammation) that causes persistent pain and swelling.

Cost of Thyroidectomy

Several factors might affect the cost of thyroidectomy surgery- its type, the experience of the surgeon, geographical location, and the insurance coverage of the patient. In India, thyroidectomy surgery costs in India ranges around INR 50,000- 1,00,000. Usually, insurance plans cover this surgery, especially when it is recommended medically. However, patients should discuss with their healthcare provider and the insurance company to understand the full cost, and any other possible extra cost.

Risks and Complications of Thyroidectomy

Thyroidectomy involves several possible risks and complications, just like any other surgical treatment. It is important to discuss any possible risks with an experienced surgeon, who can help identify whether thyroidectomy is an ideal choice depending on individual situations and overall health. Even though this surgical procedure is typically safe, it's essential to be aware of the following risks:

Bleeding: During or after surgery, there might be a risk of excessive bleeding
Infection: It might lead to infection at the incision area or internally.
Damage to Parathyroid Glands: It involves the risk of accidental removal or damage to the parathyroid glands responsible for regulating calcium levels in the body.
Hoarseness or Voice Changes: It might cause permanent or temporary changes in voice due to the nerve damage that controls the vocal cords.
Hypocalcemia: Thyroidectomy might lead to low calcium levels caused by damage to or removal of the parathyroid glands.

Pre-instructions for Thyroidectomy

An effective thyroidectomy requires mindful planning. Usually, patients are asked to adhere to the following pre-instructions:

Medical Evaluation: Undergoing a comprehensive medical assessment, involving blood tests, imaging studies, and thyroid ultrasound.
Medication Review: Patients must give information regarding their medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs to the surgeon as some of them may need to be adjusted or stopped before surgery.
Fasting: Patients should not eat or drink before surgery, usually 6-8 hours.
Quit Smoking: If the patient is a smoker, then it is strongly advised to quit smoking a week before the surgery to minimise the risk of complications.
If you smoke, quitting before surgery can improve healing and reduce the risk of complications.
Arrange Transportation: After surgery, surgeons do not recommend the patient to drive back home immediately, so one must bring someone along.

Post-instructions for Thyroidectomy

After thyroidectomy, it's crucial to follow the instructions for post-operative care to ensure healing and the best possible outcome:

Rest and Activity: During the first few days, take it easy. Then, progressively increase the level of activity as suggested by the surgeon. For at least one to two weeks, avoid heavy lifting and intense exercises.
Wound Care: Maintain a dry and clean surgical site and ensure following the surgeon's advice regarding incision care and dressing changes.
Pain management: Patients should follow the instructions on the prescription pain relievers and over-the-counter painkillers advised.
Monitor symptoms: After surgery, it is critical to keep an eye on infection-related symptoms such as fever, oedema, or redness, and inform the healthcare provider immediately in case any of them are severe.
Voice Care: Healthcare providers recommend taking it easy and not straining the voice during the first few days after surgery.
Don’t miss appointments: Following surgery, patients should not miss out on follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any underlying problems if there are any.

Recovery after Thyroidectomy

Recovery after a thyroidectomy differs based on the patient's symptoms and the degree of surgery. Most patients can return home the same day after the procedure. It's crucial to take a rest and avoid any physically demanding activities during the first few days. To ensure fast recovery, patients must take medications on time to control pain and discomfort. Maintaining a dry and clean surgery site is crucial for recovery. During the first to four weeks, it is often advised to gradually resume regular activities and go back to work. Don’t stress if there are changes in voice and difficulty swallowing as it may not go away for some time, but they should get better with time. For long-term recovery, it might take a few weeks to several months to fully recover. Make sure to attend follow-up sessions to check thyroid hormone levels and overall health.

Why Should You Choose CMRI for Thyroidectomy Treatment in Kolkata?

The Calcutta Medical Research Institute (CMRI) is one of the largest multispecialty hospitals in Kolkata. Our hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, revolutionising the healthcare industry for the best surgical outcomes. In addition, CMRI has several eminent specialists, doctors, and healthcare providers of national and international reputations for comprehensive and personalised treatment. CMRI provides patient-centric care and empathy from internationally trained nurses to ensure holistic patient care. Here are a few advantages of choosing the CMRI for the best thyroidectomy treatment in Kolkata:

Highly qualified and experienced doctors
440-bed capacity along with cutting-edge technology and the latest medical equipment
Hygienic and patient-friendly infrastructure
Thorough screening and diagnosis
Transparent Pricing Structure for cost-effective treatment
Patient-centric, high-quality care for a high success rate
Pain management and palliative care
Complete and coordinated care for patients