The thyroid is an endocrine gland situated in the neck. Among 5 to 20% of the population have a palpable nodule in the thyroid. The main reason for surgery on thyroid nodules is cosmetic reasons.
How it is done
The surgery for the thyroid nodule involves a scar on the neck, complications of anesthesia, and lifelong thyroxine replacement therapy. Alternatively, there are the latest technologies like microwave ablation of the thyroid which can be done as an OP procedure and the concerned patients can go home within hours. The advantage of using microwaves is the patients can have no scars, no general anesthesia, and no lifelong replacement treatment. This process can be done for a 5cm nodule maximum. While for cancer thyroid open surgery is still a gold standard.
Recovery
There is no downtime required for this procedure. Within hours, patients can return home and do their daily routines.