THYROIDECTOMY Meaning and
Definition
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Thyroidectomy is a medical procedure that involves the surgical removal of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck, just below the Adam's apple. It is responsible for producing hormones that regulate various bodily functions, including metabolism, growth, and development.
Thyroidectomy is typically performed as a treatment option for a variety of conditions affecting the thyroid gland. The most common indications for this procedure include thyroid cancer, benign tumors (such as thyroid nodules or goiters), and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland). In some cases, it may also be performed to alleviate symptoms caused by an enlarged thyroid that is compressing nearby structures, such as the trachea or esophagus.
The surgical procedure can be performed as either a total thyroidectomy, where the entire thyroid gland is removed, or as a partial thyroidectomy, where only a portion of the gland is excised. The choice between the two depends on the underlying condition, its severity, and the patient's overall health.
Thyroidectomy is typically carried out under general anesthesia, where the patient is asleep and pain-free. The surgeon makes an incision in the neck to access the thyroid gland and carefully removes it while preserving nearby structures, such as the parathyroid glands and the recurrent laryngeal nerves. After the procedure, patients may require lifelong hormone replacement therapy to supplement the hormones that were previously produced by the thyroid gland.
Thyroidectomy is generally considered a safe and effective treatment option for various thyroid conditions. However, as with any surgical procedure, it carries risks of complications, including bleeding, infection, damage to nearby structures, and changes in voice quality. Hence, it is crucial for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation and consultation with their healthcare
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Removal of the thyroid gland.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for THYROIDECTOMY
Etymology of THYROIDECTOMY
The word "thyroidectomy" is derived from two roots: "thyroid" and "ectomy".
The root "thyroid" refers to the thyroid gland, which is an endocrine gland located in the front of the neck. It plays a vital role in regulating the metabolism of the body.
The suffix "ectomy" is derived from Greek "ektomē", meaning "excision" or "removal". It is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate the surgical removal of a specific organ or part of the body.
Therefore, "thyroidectomy" refers to the surgical procedure of the removal of the thyroid gland.
Similar spelling words for THYROIDECTOMY
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