How risky is a thyroid operation?

Answer 1

There are many dangers or risks that could be taken from getting thyroid surgery. They are:

1) biopsy or lumpectomy - removing a small part of the thyroid

gland; 2) lobectomy - removing half of the thyroid gland; 3) removing

nearly all of the thyroid gland (subtotal thyroidectomy - leaving a small

amount of thyroid tissue bilaterally or near-total thyroidectomy - leaving

about one gm or cm of thyroid tissue on one side); or 4) total

thyroidectomy, which removes all identifiable thyroid tissue. There are

specific indications for each of these operations. The main risks of a

thyroid operation involve possible damage to important anatomical

structures near the thyroid, primarily the parathyroid glands (which

regulate calcium levels) and the recurrent and external laryngeal

nerves (which control the vocal cords)

I do not own this information. It is from this source www.thyroid.org

Answer 2

The thyroid controls the metabolism, which controls everything.... I suggest you research Graves disease, a thyroid auto-immune disease which a loved one close to me has. A fast thyroid can cause rapid heart rate (to the point you are breathless and can't sleep) among other complications. A slow one can be damaging and can make it where you will gain weight no matter how little food you eat.

Answer 3

Thyroid can be dangerous, more so for women than men. Being over 50 increases the risk of thyroid disease for both men and women. Also having a first degree relative, such as a mother, or sister makes the risk slightly greater.

Answer 4

If you have any questions or concerns about how risky thyroid surgery is, make sure to talk with your physician(s). Overall, a partial or full thyroidectomy does have some risk. For example, some patients wake up with a weak, dry throat. Meanwhile, others notice a change in their tone of voice. And sometimes the parathyroid can get damaged. These risks do not happen to everyone which is why it's important to talk with your doctor(s). Thyroid surgery typically will require an overnight stay at the hospital, and about a week to two weeks of no lifting.