Thyroidectomy in West Palm Beach, FL

Name: Thyroidectomy
Brand: AQ Surgery
Rating: 5 (12 reviews)

A thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the thyroid gland, offering a critical solution for patients dealing with thyroid disorders or thyroid cancer.

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Expert Care for Thyroid Conditions

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck that plays a key role in regulating metabolism, growth, and development by producing important hormones. When the thyroid isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to issues such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer, or benign nodules. In cases where other treatments aren’t effective, a thyroidectomy—the surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid—may be recommended. Dr. Anastasiya Quimby, a highly skilled and board-certified surgeon, provides expert care in performing thyroidectomies. She utilizes her multidisciplinary approach to offer personalized and comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient's specific condition.

Types of Thyroidectomy in West Palm Beach

There are three primary types of thyroidectomy procedures, each tailored to address specific thyroid conditions.

Total Thyroidectomy

This procedure involves removing the entire thyroid gland. It is most commonly performed for thyroid cancer or severe cases of hyperthyroidism, goiter, or Graves' disease. After a total thyroidectomy, patients will need to take synthetic thyroid hormone (levothyroxine) for life to replace the hormones the thyroid gland would normally produce.

Partial Thyroidectomy (Hemithyroidectomy)

A partial thyroidectomy removes only one lobe (half) of the thyroid gland. This approach is often used for benign nodules or early-stage cancer confined to one side of the thyroid. Depending on the patient’s remaining thyroid function, hormone replacement therapy may or may not be needed after surgery.

Subtotal Thyroidectomy

In this procedure, a portion of the thyroid is removed, leaving behind a small part of the gland to maintain some hormone production. This is less commonly performed today, as more targeted approaches like partial or total thyroidectomy have become preferred.

Why Choose Dr. Quimby?

Dr. Anastasiya Quimby is a board-certified surgeon with specialized fellowship training in head and neck oncology and microvascular reconstruction. She offers expert care for patients requiring thyroidectomy in West Palm Beach. Her approach focuses not only on removing thyroid cancer or addressing thyroid dysfunction but also on preserving function and aesthetics to ensure optimal outcomes.

With extensive medical, ENT, oncology, and plastic surgery training, Dr. Quimby delivers a comprehensive, holistic treatment plan that minimizes recovery time and enhances patient results. Her expertise in complex head and neck surgeries ensures patients receive the highest standard of care tailored to their unique needs, promoting effective treatment and quality of life.

Who Is a Candidate for Thyroidectomy?

There are several medical conditions for which a thyroidectomy may be the best course of action. Patients with any of the following conditions would be candidates for thyroidectomy:

Thyroid cancer: If cancer is confirmed, the complete removal of the thyroid gland (total thyroidectomy) is typically recommended to ensure that cancerous tissues are fully eradicated and do not spread to other parts of the body.
Goiter: An enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) can press on the trachea and esophagus, causing difficulty breathing or swallowing. In cases where a goiter causes significant discomfort or functional problems, removing all or part of the thyroid may be necessary.
Benign thyroid nodules: Non-cancerous growths or nodules can develop in the thyroid and may cause difficulty swallowing, breathing problems, or aesthetic concerns due to an enlarged thyroid (goiter). In some cases, removing the nodules or part of the thyroid can relieve these symptoms and restore normal function.
Hyperthyroidism: When the thyroid produces excessive hormones (hyperthyroidism), it can cause rapid weight loss, increased heart rate, and nervousness. While medications and radioactive iodine are often used to treat hyperthyroidism, thyroidectomy may be recommended for patients who do not respond well to these treatments or cannot tolerate them.
Graves’ disease: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition that leads to hyperthyroidism. If medications fail to control the disease or radioactive iodine therapy is not an option, thyroidectomy may be considered to remove the overactive thyroid tissue.

What to Expect During the Procedure

A thyroidectomy is typically performed under general anesthesia, and the surgery generally lasts between one and two hours, depending on the complexity of the case. Before the surgery begins, the patient is given general anesthesia to ensure they remain unconscious and free of pain throughout the procedure. To minimize scarring, Dr. Quimby makes an incision along the lower front part of the neck, often in a natural skin crease. In some cases, a minimally invasive thyroidectomy, which uses smaller incisions and specialized instruments, may be performed. Once she makes the incision, Dr. Quimby carefully separates the thyroid gland from surrounding tissues and structures, such as the trachea, esophagus, and vocal cords. Depending on the type of thyroidectomy being performed, all or part of the gland will be removed. After the thyroid gland is removed, Dr. Quimby closes the incision using sutures or surgical glue. A small drain may be temporarily placed to prevent fluid buildup in the neck.

Post-Surgical Care and Recovery

After the surgery, most patients stay in the hospital for one or two days, though some may be discharged the same day, depending on the extent of the surgery and their overall health. Patients may experience mild discomfort, swelling, or bruising around the incision site over the first few days. Pain is typically well-managed with over-the-counter or prescription pain medications. Some patients may have a hoarse voice or trouble swallowing, but these symptoms usually improve within a few days to weeks.

Most patients return to their normal daily activities within one to two weeks. Physical activity should be limited initially, but most patients can resume exercise after consulting with Dr. Quimby. For patients who undergo total thyroidectomy, lifelong hormone replacement therapy is required to replace the thyroid hormones that the body can no longer produce. Regular monitoring of thyroid hormone levels will ensure the correct dosage.

Experience Holistic Thyroid Care at AQ Surgery

Thyroidectomy is a life-changing procedure for those suffering from thyroid dysfunction or thyroid cancer. Removing a malfunctioning thyroid or treating thyroid cancer can dramatically improve quality of life, relieving symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, breathing, or chronic fatigue. Dr. Anastasiya Quimby and the team at AQ Surgery specialize in thyroid surgery, providing expert care tailored to each patient’s needs. If you’re experiencing thyroid issues or have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, contact AQ Surgery today to learn more about thyroidectomy in West Palm Beach.