Thyroid Surgery

The thyroid and parathyroid glands are endocrine organs (organs that secrete hormones into the blood stream). The thyroid gland secretes thyroid hormone which regulates metabolic activity at the cellular level throughout the body. Calcium regulating hormones are also secreted by a smaller subset of thyroid cells. The thyroid gland itself is located in front of the trachea (wind pipe) and below the voice box. On the back surface of the thyroid gland sit four parathyroid glands (more or less) these small pea size glands also play a large part in calcium regulation.

Following your surgery, when you emerge from your anesthesia, you will have a large bulky neck dressing in place. This dressing will usually consist of a soft cotton fluffed bandage, and will provide gentle support for your wound. In most cases neck drains will usually not be necessary.