Clinical Area
Thyroid Diseases
Hashimoto, nodules, hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, and total/subtotal thyroidectomy.
When is surgery indicated for thyroid disease?
Thyroid surgery is indicated for suspicious nodules, biopsy-proven cancer, compressive symptoms, uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, and large goitres. Modern thyroidectomy preserves the recurrent laryngeal nerve and parathyroids — keeping post-operative voice and calcium balance normal. Prof. Dr. Hasan Ahmet Özdoğan's approach: correct indication, personalised surgical plan, and selective use of "thyroid lobectomy" rather than radical resection where appropriate.
Modern thyroid surgery
Thyroidectomy has become substantially safer over the last 20 years thanks to intraoperative nerve monitoring, loupe magnification, and microscopic dissection. Voice preservation should be routine — not the exception.
The surgical decision rests on physical exam + ultrasound + cytology + (when needed) MRI / scintigraphy. When lobectomy suffices, total thyroidectomy is not performed.
Sub-topics
Hashimoto Thyroiditis
Diagnosis, monitoring, levothyroxine management in autoimmune hypothyroidism.
Thyroid Nodule
TIRADS classification, fine-needle biopsy, follow-up vs surgery decision.
Hyperthyroidism
Graves' disease, toxic adenoma, thyroiditis; medical, radioactive iodine, and surgical options.
Thyroidectomy — Surgical Process
Anaesthesia, nerve monitoring, parathyroid preservation, and post-operative follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
- No. Most thyroid nodules are benign and routine ultrasound surveillance is sufficient. Surgery is considered for suspicious features (TIRADS 4–5), growth, or FNA cytology indicating malignant/suspicious findings.
- Yes — with modern technique. Intraoperative recurrent-laryngeal-nerve monitoring is routine. Temporary hoarseness occurs in 1–3%; permanent hoarseness 0.5–1%.
- Yes. Levothyroxine (T4) replacement is lifelong. Dose is titrated per patient; one tablet daily suffices.
- Thyroid cancer is one of the fastest-growing cancers in women. Most are papillary with excellent prognosis; 10-year survival exceeds 95%.
- Hashimoto thyroiditis rarely increases the risk of thyroid lymphoma — a very uncommon scenario. Routine ultrasound surveillance catches it early.
- Existing ultrasound and cytology are shared. A written treatment plan is provided. If surgery is needed: 1 hospital night, 5–7 days in Istanbul, then return; post-op follow-up by email/WhatsApp.
References
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