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Child thyroid anatomy
Child thyroid anatomy


Thyroid gland removal

Alternative Names:
Total thyroidectomy; Partial thyroidectomy; Thyroidectomy

Risks:

Risks for any anesthesia include the following:

  • Reactions to medications
  • Problems breathing
Risks for any surgery include the following:
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
Additional risks for thyroidectomy include the following:
  • Bleeding and possible airway obstruction
  • Temporary or permanent loss of ability to speak due to paralysis of the vocal chords
  • Inadequate thyroid function (hypothyroidism)
  • Injury to the adjacent parathyroid glands
  • Inadequate level of calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia)



Review Date: 11/10/2004
Reviewed By: Brendan T. Campbell, M.D., M.P.H., Department of Surgery, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, AR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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