The thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones that are carried by the blood to every tissue in the body. It helps regulate the process where the body turns food into energy; this process is called metabolism. It also helps keep the organs functioning properly and help the body conserve heat.

When is a thyroid surgery done?

Thyroid surgery may be indicated for the following reasons:

• - When a nodule on the thyroid gland is cancerous or may become cancerous.
• - When a thyroid nodule or the entire thyroid gland is enlarged, causing symptoms like difficulties swallowing, difficulty breathing, or changes to the voice.
• - To treat an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) that doesn't respond to conservative treatment.

What does a thyroid surgery entail?

There are different types of thyroid surgeries that Dr Moodley can perform to remove the thyroid. These may include:

• Thyroid lobectomy + isthmustectomy: This is thyroid removal surgery which involves the surgeon removing one thyroid lobe, leaving the other one intact and exposing the tracheoesophageal. The thyroid isthmus is a small bridge of thyroid tissue connecting both thyroid lobes. This is removed together with the diseased lobe.
• Subtotal Thyroidectomy: This is a thyroid removal procedure which involves the surgeon removing the thyroid gland but leaving a small amount of thyroid tissue, which preserves some thyroid function.
• Total thyroidectomy: This procedure involves the removal of the entire thyroid as well as the thyroid tissue. Total thyroidectomy is normally indicated when nodules, swelling or inflammation affects the entire thyroid gland. It may also be indicated if cancer is present.