Thyroid surgery is performed for goitre, thyroid nodules, hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer. The most critical aspect of the operation is protecting the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which controls the vocal cords, and the parathyroid glands, which regulate blood calcium. Nerve monitoring tracks the nerve by electrical stimulation throughout the operation so that it can be identified safely.
- Goitre (nodular and multinodular)
- Thyroid nodule and fine needle biopsy
- Hyperthyroidism and toxic nodule
- Thyroid cancer surgery
- Total thyroidectomy and lobectomy
- Neck dissection
- Parathyroid disease and hyperparathyroidism
- Parathyroid cancer
The thyroid gland sits at the front of the neck and secretes the hormones that regulate metabolic rate. Because Turkey has historically been an iodine-deficient region, goitre and thyroid nodules are very common.
Thyroid Nodules and Assessment
Ultrasound screening can detect nodules in close to half of the adult population, and roughly 90-95 per cent of these are benign. Assessment proceeds as follows:
- TSH measurement: if low, a hormone-secreting nodule is considered and scintigraphy is requested
- Thyroid ultrasound: assessment of size, structure and suspicious features
- Fine needle aspiration biopsy: generally applied to nodules larger than 1 cm and to smaller nodules with suspicious features
Biopsy results are reported in six Bethesda categories; surgery is generally recommended for categories IV, V and VI.
When Is Surgery Needed?
- Cancer or suspected cancer on biopsy
- Nodules showing significant growth on follow-up
- Large goitres causing compressive symptoms such as breathlessness or difficulty swallowing
- Hormone-secreting nodules not responding to medication
- Retrosternal goitres extending into the chest
- Nodules causing a significant cosmetic problem
Why Nerve Monitoring Matters
The recurrent laryngeal nerve runs immediately behind the thyroid and controls the vocal cords. Injury to it can cause hoarseness. With nerve monitoring, a device tracks the nerve by electrical stimulation throughout the operation, allowing it to be identified and protected safely.
The second critical structure is the parathyroid glands, which regulate blood calcium. Preserving them is decisive in preventing temporary or permanent low calcium after surgery.
Parathyroid Disease
The parathyroid glands are four small glands behind the thyroid that regulate calcium balance. Overactivity (hyperparathyroidism) can cause bone loss, kidney stones, fatigue and abdominal pain. Treatment is surgical removal of the responsible gland.
After Surgery
The hospital stay is usually 1-2 days. Tightness in the neck and discomfort on swallowing are normal in the first days. If the whole thyroid has been removed, lifelong thyroid hormone is required; at the correct dose you will lead an entirely normal life. Calcium levels are monitored closely in the first days. Return to daily life is most often within 1-2 weeks.
Minimally Invasive Thyroid Surgery Training in Rome
Thyroid and parathyroid surgery is one of the fields in which Op. Dr. Ersan Semerci received dedicated training, and it is listed as thyroid and parathyroid surgery on his Medical Park doctor profile.
- Minimally Invasive Thyroid Surgery Training, Catholic University of Rome, Department of Endocrine Surgery, Rome, Italy (11-15 May 2009)
- Thyroid School Training Programme, Mersin (2017)
- Use of nerve monitoring in goitre surgery
- Scarless and suture-free thyroid surgery, parathyroid disease and parathyroid cancer are among his registered areas of interest
His academic work includes published papers on the prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis in thyroidectomy cases and on nodule diameter measurement in multinodular goitre.
Consultations and operations are carried out at Medicalpark Mersin Hospital. Op. Dr. Ersan Semerci has practised in Mersin since 2010. Patients travelling from Mersin and neighbouring provinces can book via WhatsApp.
Book on WhatsAppIs a thyroid nodule cancer?
Roughly 90-95 per cent of detected thyroid nodules are benign. Finding a nodule does not in itself mean cancer. The distinction is made by ultrasound findings and, where needed, fine needle biopsy.
Will I be hoarse after surgery?
Temporary voice change related to the nerve supplying the vocal cords can occur and usually resolves within weeks. Permanent hoarseness is uncommon in experienced hands; nerve monitoring is an important measure in reducing this risk.
If my thyroid is removed, will I take medication for life?
If the whole thyroid is removed, yes, a single daily dose of thyroid hormone is needed. Once adjusted with blood tests, your quality of life is unaffected. When only one lobe is removed, some patients need no medication.
Consultation and Appointments in Mersin
For symptoms within Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery you can book an appointment at Medicalpark Mersin Hospital. Mezitli / Mersin, Turkey, weekdays 09:00-17:00.
WhatsApp: +90 542 236 05 33Disclaimer. This page is provided for general information only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or a treatment recommendation, and it is not a substitute for examination, diagnosis and treatment by a physician. The content is not tailored to any individual and is not intended as advertising. Which method is suitable for you can only be determined after examination and the necessary investigations. Consult your own doctor about any decision concerning your health.