Thyroid Surgeries | A/Prof. James Lee Endocrine Surgeon Melbourne

A/Prof. James Lee offers a comprehensive list of surgical procedures for a variety of conditions.

A/Prof. James Lee is highly experienced in Thyroid surgery and endeavours to provide the highest quality of care as well as the best results for each of his patients.

What is the thyroid gland?

The thyroid gland is located just below the larynx/Adam’s apple in your neck. The thyroid gland converts iodine from the diet into thyroid hormone, this hormone controls the majority of the body’s metabolism, heart rate, temperature, and growth.

Why might you require thyroid surgery?

You might be referred to A/Prof. Lee or require thyroid surgery for the following:

Thyroid nodule workup
Multinodular goitre
Surgery for toxic nodule
Surgery for multinodular goitre
Retrosternal Goitre
Thyroid cancers
Thyroglossal duct cyst
Genetic conditions

Types of thyroid surgery:

There are a few types of thyroid surgery that can be done:

Total thyroidectomy – removing the whole thyroid
Hemithyroidectomy – removing half the thyroid gland
Isthmusectomy – removing the middle portion of the thyroid
Lymph node dissection – this may be required for cancer treatment

What to expect from Thyroid surgery

Thyroid surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes around 1-2 hours. Although you will be completely unconscious throughout the procedure, you will have breathing assists and body monitors to ensure everything is running smoothly and comfortably. Incisions can often be placed in a skin crease of the neck where it will be difficult to see once it heals.

Within hours of your surgery, you should be able to walk around, eat, and drink normally. However, your throat will still feel sore and you should rest your neck. You might stay in the hospital for one or two days to recover post-surgery. Most people recover within 1-2 weeks.

Thyroid surgery with A/Prof. James Lee

If you require any type of thyroid surgery, A/Prof. James Lee ensures to provide his patients with the most education and communication possible throughout the course of the journey. If you have any questions or concerns regarding thyroid surgery, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.