Thyroid Surgery FAQ's

Candidates for surgery:

Most thyroid disorders and conditions do not require surgery. A series of medications are available to treat a variety of thyroid conditions. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) is treated successfully by replacing the hormone deficiency with a synthetic equivalent of the natural thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) is also treated with a variety of medications and in some cases, like Grave's Disease, by radioactive iodine therapy. In addition, many inflammatory diseases of the thyroid gland, known as thyroiditis, are treated with anti-inflammatory medications, and in most cases remission and cure of the disease is the expected outcome.

Those patients who are referred to Dr. Michel Babajanian for thyroid surgery generally either have a known or suspected malignancy (cancer) of the thyroid gland, or have thyroid nodules or tumors that continue to grow in size despite conservative medical treatment and observation. In cases of known cancer of the thyroid gland, during the same surgery, lymph nodes of different anatomic sites of the neck may need to be removed as well. In addition, those patients who have progressively enlarging multinodular goiters (abnormally enlarged thyroid glands), which result in compression and difficulty with breathing, swallowing or speech, are also suitable candidates to undergo surgery. Finally, some cases of hyperthyroidism which do not respond to medical and conservative treatment, or if the patient desires to avoid exposure to radioiodine therapy, become surgical candidates with an excellent chance of cure. Sometimes, surgery is required for removal of a thyroglossal duct cyst, a benign embryologic remnant of the thyroid gland in the upper midline portion of the neck.

Initial consultation:

The initial consultation is scheduled by contacting Dr. Michel Babajanian's office, and will take place in his office in Los Angeles (please see map and contact information). You need to bring with you all previously performed test results, including the reports or films of all imaging studies (Ultrasound, MRI or CAT scan); as well as any biopsy results, reports of previous surgeries if applicable, and any laboratory blood test results related to your thyroid gland. Dr. Babajanian will personally review all of your available medical records and will perform a comprehensive face-to-face medical interview and physical examination. You will have plenty of time and ample opportunity to ask any questions that you may have regarding your care. Dr. Babajanian will then discuss all the findings with you and your referring primary care physician or endocrinologist, only if you authorize him to do so. The treatment plan will then be individually outlined, taking into consideration your diagnosis, your overall medical condition and your unique needs prior to surgery.

The day of surgery:

Our expert office staff will contact your insurance carrier to obtain any pre-authorization needed, and will reserve the time and day of admission to the hospital for surgery. You will then be given an exact map and instructions as to where and when to show up at the hospital for surgery. You will be asked to eat nothing after midnight before the day of surgery. You will be greeted at the hospital by their admission staff and nurses, as well as the anesthesiologist. Dr. Babajanian will see you in the preoperative area before entering the operating room. Your family members are welcome to come with you to the hospital. There is a comfortable designated waiting area for them. After the surgery is completed, Dr. Babajanian will meet with your family members and discuss the findings of the surgery. He will also see you in the postoperative area and follow you throughout the remainder of your stay at the hospital. Depending on the type and extent of the thyroid surgery you have undergone, you may need to stay either one or two days for recovery.

Follow up after surgery:

After you are discharged home from the hospital, you will have 24/7 direct access to Dr. Babajanian and his board-certified Head and Neck Surgeon associates for any questions or problems. Dr. Babajanian will see you at any time at his office if needed. However, typically the first postoperative appointment is one week after surgery, at which time he will personally examine you, remove any sutures (stitches) if necessary, and will discuss and schedule your follow-up visit. He usually will see you for the second post-op visit 4-6 weeks after surgery. There is no limit to the follow-up since its need and extent is determined by your condition and is tailored to your specific needs.

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