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Results
By Mayo Clinic staffThe long-term effects of thyroidectomy depend on how much of the thyroid is removed.
Partial thyroidectomy
If only part of your thyroid is removed, the remaining portion typically takes over the function of the entire thyroid gland, and you don't need thyroid hormone therapy.
Complete thyroidectomy
If your entire thyroid is removed, your body can't make thyroid hormone and you'll develop signs and symptoms of underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). As a result, you'll need to take a pill every day that contains the thyroid hormone thyroxine (Levothroid, Levoxyl, others). This hormone replacement is identical to the hormone normally made by your thyroid gland and performs all of the same functions. Your doctor will determine the amount of thyroid hormone replacement you need based on blood tests.
- Lal G, et al. Thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal. In: Brunicardi FC, et al. Schwartz's Principles of Surgery. 9th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=50. Accessed July 14, 2011.
- Thyroid surgery. American Thyroid Association. http://www.thyroid.org/patients/brochures/ThyroidSurgery.pdf. Accessed July 15, 2011.
- Thyroid disorders and surgery. American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/Thyroid-Disorders.cfm. Accessed July 18, 2011.
- Ross DS. Surgery in the treatment of hyperparathyroidism. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 18, 2011.
- Tuttle RM. Surgical treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 18, 2011.
- Wang TS, et al. Initial and reoperative thyroidectomy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 18, 2011.
- Lee J, et al. Perioperative clinical outcomes after robotic thyroidectomy for thyroid carcinoma: A multicenter study. Surgical Endoscopy. 2011;25:906.
- Kasperbauer JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 14, 2011.
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