Ear, Nose & Throat

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Ear Treatment

Tympanostomy/Tubes

Although ear tube surgery is a relatively common procedure, surgery is not the first choice of treatment for middle ear infections. Antibiotics are usually the first course of treatment for bacterial ear infections; in many cases, acute ear infections may resolve without treatment of any kind. Many ear infections are viral and antibiotics do not help. These infections need to improve on their own, and only time can help them heal. But if your child’s ear infections recur frequently, or if your child has a hearing loss or speech delay, Dr. Campano may suggest surgery to drain fluid from the middle ear and insert a ventilation tube. Because many children have had infections in both ears, surgery is typically performed in both ears.



A tiny tube, also called pressure equalization (PE) or tympanostomy tube, is inserted into the eardrum. It is designed to ventilate as well as equalize pressure in the middle ear. This will help prevent infection and the accumulation of fluid. Hearing can then be normalized. The tube does not impair hearing. It remains in place for about 6 to 18 months or more. Tympanostomy tubes greatly reduce the occurrence of further ear infections.

  • Steps During Surgery:

    Your child will receive general anesthesia. This means the surgery will be performed in a hospital so that an anesthesiologist can monitor your child. The procedure generally takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Dr. Campano will make a small hole in the eardrum and remove fluid from the middle ear using suction. Because Dr. Campano can reach the eardrum through the ear canal, there is no visible incision. Inserting a small metal or plastic tube into the hole in the eardrum finishes the procedure.

  • After Surgery

    After surgery, your child will wake up in the recovery area. The total time spent in the hospital is a few hours. Very young children or those with additional medical problems may stay for a longer period of time.


    A substance such as water may sometimes enter the middle ear through the tube. This is generally not a problem. Dr. Campano may or may not feel that earplugs are necessary for regular bathing or swimming. In most cases, surgery to remove a tympanostomy tube is unnecessary. The tube usually falls out on its own, pushed out as the eardrum heals. A tube generally stays in the ear anywhere from 6 to 18 months, depending on the type of tube used. If the tube remains in the eardrum beyond 2 or 3 years, it will likely need to be surgically removed in order to prevent a perforation in the eardrum or accumulation of debris around the tube.

  • After Tympanostomy Tubes

    After surgery, your child will be taken to the recovery room to be monitored by a nurse. You may be invited into the recovery room as your child becomes aware of their surroundings and starts looking for you. Your child should be able to go home the same day as the surgery once they have fully recovered from the anesthetic. This usually takes less than one hour.


    Your child may resume a normal diet after he or she has fully recovered from the anesthetic. Even though they may be hungry immediately after surgery, it is best to feed them slowly to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting. Occasionally, children may vomit one or two times immediately after surgery. If vomiting persists, your doctor may prescribe medication to settle the stomach.


    Tympanostomy tubes usually stay in place from 6 to 18 months. If they stay in longer than two to three years, they may need to be surgically removed. It is important to have an ear check-up about every six months during this time period. An audiogram is usually obtained at some point after the ear has healed. The tubes eventually fall out of the eardrum on their own as the ear heals. Some children may have mild discomfort or bloody drainage at this time. The small hole in the eardrum at the old tube site usually heals within several weeks. Your doctor will instruct you when it is safe to allow water in the ears.

Additional Ear Treatments:

Eustachian Tube Dilation

Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation

Millions of children and adults are finding relief from painful chronic eustachian tube dysfunction thanks to a small, balloon-like device known as Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation. Doctor Marc Dean is one of the first otolaryngologists in the United States to use the newly approved Aera system by Acclarent. In medical studies, the Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation procedure has shown to drastically reduce the need for ear tubes and other ear surgeries.

  • What Is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, And What Are The Symptoms?

    Ear problems are the most common medical complaint of airplane travelers, and while they are usually simple, minor annoyances, they may result in temporary pain and hearing loss. Make air travel comfortable by learning how to equalize the pressure in the ears instead of suffering from an uncomfortable feeling of fullness or pressure.


    When the eustachian tube is blocked from a cold or sinus, nose or ear infection, air can no longer pass through. Stuffy ears and noses, hearing loss, ear pain, and pressure, as well as ringing in the ears (tinnitus) can result. The eustachian tube is the main connection between the back of the throat and the middle of the ear. Normally, the tube is filled with air and opens when yawning or chewing.


    Blocked eustachian tubes can be relieved by nasal sprays and antihistamine tablets, which reduce inflammation and congestion. Recurrent Eustachian tube dysfunction requires the surgical placement of tubes in the eardrum, which allows pressure to equalize in the middle ear. Now that the FDA has approved the Aera system, children, and adults with chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction can opt for a simple, 10-minute procedure instead.

  • Eustachian Tube Dysfunction And Air Travel

    The most common complaint of air travelers is ear pain, and while they’re usually simple, minor annoyances, they can result in temporary pain and hearing loss. During air travel pressure rapidly changes based on takeoff and landing. To maintain comfort, the Eustachian tube must open frequently and wide enough to equalize the changes in pressure. Individuals with Eustachian Tube Dysfunction may be unable to clear the pressure within the ear, causing pain and discomfort.

NOSE Treatment

Sinus Surgery

Sinus Surgery is one of the most common operations performed. Dr. Campano will review with you whether this procedure is the appropriate procedure to open possible sinus obstructions. Removal of such obstructions may require eliminating polyps that are blocking sinus openings or possibly enlarging the hole that sinuses drain through.



Sinuses are the empty pockets that are filled with air in the head. There are actually four pairs of sinuses within your skull. These circulate air while lubricating the nose. This keeps the sinuses free of bacteria, dirt, and other particles. Mucos line the sinuses and secrete mucus which traps particles from incoming air. These dust particles are then expelled via cilia, small hair like fibers. Sinuses that are in good health are not obstructed or clogged. Mucus is able to pass through into the nose and then the throat without problems.


Colds, allergies, infections or other obstructions of the sinuses (i.e. deviated septum) can cause inflammation of the mucosa and block the drainage of the sinus cavities. If the sinuses become inflamed, Sinusitis can occur. The mucos becomes thicker and cannot pass through the openings and end up accumulating in the sinuses. Many symptoms can arise including fever, headaches, and pain over and underneath the eyes. Polyps form when mucosa becomes swollen by repeated infections.


Dr. Campano will determine if you have sinusitis during your examination. She will examine your ear, nose and throat and determine the cause of your sinusitis. Diagnosis can occur with the help of x-rays, CAT scan or MRIs in order to see the sinuses within your skull. Blood or allergy tests may also be performed. Treatment may be based upon the cause of your infection. Obstructions caused by allergies can be minimize or eliminated by treating the allergy. Sometimes humidifiers, warm compress over your sinuses, or drinking lots of fluids (which thins out your mucus) can also alleviate symptoms. Medications including antibiotics can treat an infection in the sinuses and control the condition. Repeated sinusitis may be caused by an obstruction and will be most responsive to surgery.


Surgery can be performed in a number of ways. It's possible that the walls between sinuses are removed to make the sinuses larger. When the sinuses are larger, there is less of chance for obstruction to occur. Sometimes new openings are created in the sinuses for better drainage. If an obstruction is caused by a deviated septum, surgery can help straighten it out. Many of these options are performed endoscopically and under general anesthesia. Patients usually are treated and go home the same day.


Sinus surgery is a very common procedure and helps treat sinus disorders. There are some rare risks, which should be discussed during your visit with Dr. Campano. She will explain possible complications to help you better understand your treatment options.

Septoplasty/Turbinoplasty

A deviated septum is one of the most common reasons to have non-cosmetic nasal surgery. Your septum can be crooked and may result in a smaller nasal passage on one side or the other, or even both. In a normal nose, the mucosal lining swells and retract many times a day. With a deviated septum, one may have difficulty breathing from either side of the nose. It is usually from the already small passageway being blocked further from the swollen mucosal lining. Sometimes, blockage can occur when there is additional cartilage, bone or mucosal tissue.


This difficulty in breathing through the nose could be corrected through a Septoplasty. Many people breathe loudly and others think their noses are stuffed, but in fact they suffer from a deviated septum and when their tissues naturally swell, the side with the deviation is even more restricted.


A Septoplasty is the surgical procedure to straighten a deviated or crooked septum to improve breathing, function, and minimize possible sinus infections, creating greater comfort for the patient. A septoplasty is almost always performed with no visible incision and normally takes about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. If the Septoplasty is being performed in conjunction with a Rhinoplasty, there may be additional, visible incisions and may take about an additional hour or more for difficult cases.


A Deviated Septum is by far the most common reason for non-cosmetic nasal surgery. Your Septum can be crooked and result in a smaller nasal passage on one side or the other, or even both sides! The mucosal lining of the nasal passages normally swell and retract several times during the day. If someone with severe or a minor deviated septum experiences difficulty breathing, it is usually from the already small passageway being blocked further from the swollen mucosal lining. Its amazing that many people who go through their entire lives may never know that their difficulty breathing through the nose could be corrected through a Septoplasty!



If you have concerns regarding nasal breathing or repetitive sinus infections, please contact Dr. Campano. As an ENT, she can properly examine and diagnose you for the possible need of a Septoplasty or other surgery, perhaps in the form of sinus correction.

After Septorhinoplasty

  • After Your Surgery

    After surgery-particularly during the first twenty-four hours-your face will feel puffy, your nose may ache, and you may have a dull headache. You can control any discomfort with the pain medication prescribed by Dr. Campano. Plan on staying in bed with your head elevated (except for going to the bathroom) for the first dayYou’ll notice that the swelling and bruising around your eyes will increase at first, reaching a peak after two or three days. Applying cold compresses will reduce this swelling and make you feel a bit better. We use a cool gel mask to gently cool the tissues. In any case, you’ll feel a lot better than you look. Most of the swelling and bruising should disappear within two weeks or so.


    A little drainage is common during the first few days following surgery, and you may continue to feel some stuffiness for several weeks. Dr. Campano will probably ask you not to blow your nose for a week or so, while the tissues heal.


    Dr. Campano uses techniques to minimize packing and most of her patients do not need nasal packing. If you have nasal packing, it will be removed after a few days and you’ll feel much more comfortable. By the end of one or, occasionally, two weeks, all dressings, splints, and stitches should be removed.

  • Getting Back To Normal

    Most rhinoplasty patients are up and about within two days, and able to return to school or sedentary work a few days to a week or so following surgery. It will be several weeks, however, before you’re entirely up to speed.


    Dr. Campano will give you more specific guidelines for gradually resuming your normal activities. They’re likely to include these suggestions: Avoid strenuous activity (jogging, swimming, bending, sexual relations-any activity that increases your blood pressure) for two to three weeks. Avoid hitting or rubbing your nose, or getting it sunburned, for eight weeks. Be gentle when washing your face and hair or using cosmetics.


    You can wear contact lenses as soon as you feel like it, but glasses are another story. Once the splint is off, they’ll have to be taped to your forehead or propped on your cheeks for another six to seven weeks, until your nose is completely healed.


    Dr. Campano will schedule frequent follow-up visits in the months after surgery, to check on the progress of your healing. If you have any unusual symptoms between visits, or any questions about what you can and can’t do, don’t hesitate to.

  • After Sinus Surgery

    The following information applies when upper jaw bone height or width have been lost. The graft is placed to help restore your jawbone in preparation for possible implant replacement of the missing tooth or teeth.You have had a Sinus Lift Augmentation procedure in your upper jaw. This procedure regains lost bone height in the area of your first and second molar and occasionally second premolar. It is an important procedure as it allows implant placement in an area that could not be implanted otherwise because of insufficient bone height due to an enlarged sinus.


    The bone that has been grafted is most commonly a combination freeze-dried bone, artificial synthetic bone and your own bone. Because of this you may have two post-surgical wounds: the donor site and the recipient site.DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. BLOW YOUR NOSE FOR THE NEXT FOUR (4) WEEKS. This may be longer if indicated. You may sniff all you like but NO BLOWING.


    Do not blow your nose or sneeze holding your nose. Sneeze with your mouth open. Do not drink with straws and do not spit. Scuba diving and flying in pressurized aircraft may also increase sinus pressure and should be avoided. Decongestants such as Drixoral, Dimetapp, or Sudafed will help reduce pressure in the sinuses. You may also be given a prescription for antibiotics. Please take these as directed. Anything that causes pressure in your nasal cavity must be avoided. Avoid “bearing down” ??? as when lifting heavy objects, blowing up balloons, playing musical instruments that require a blowing action or any other activity that increases nasal or oral pressure. Smoking must be stopped. If necessary Dr. Campano can prescribe Nicoderm patches.

  • Antibiotics

    Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection.

Additional NOSE SERVICES:

Chronic Sinusitis 

Balloon Sinuplasty 

Propel

THROAT

Tonsillectomy/AdenoidectomyTonsillectomies and adenoidectomies are common and safe procedures. As a matter of fact, tonsillectomy is the second most common pediatric surgical procedure. It is also necessary at times for this procedure to be performed on adults. A tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy can help prevent frequent sore throats and ear infections. These procedures are not always performed at the same time. Only one may be needed, sometimes both.


The tonsils are glands located in the back of the mouth on both sides of your throat. As part of the immune system, tonsils help fight infections. The adenoids are located behind the soft palate, the back, muscular section of the roof of your mouth. Adenoids also help fight infections. Behind the uvula, there is a passageway that connects the nose to the mouth. And in this passageway, the eustachian tubes connect the middle ear to the back of the nose. These tubes prevent large differences in pressure inside the ear. When your adenoids swell, they become inflamed and can cause blockage of the eustachian tubes. Blockage can cause your middle ear to become filled with pus, causing additional infection and swelling. This can even lead to hearing loss.


Tonsillectomy is generally performed because of repeat occurrences of tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is an infection in the throat that starts with your tonsils. These types of sore throats are usually severe and fever can occur. It hurts to swallow!


Its important to be examined when you have tonsillitis because its can be dangerous if there have been five or more occurrences within one year. And when the illness is not responsive to antibiotic treatment, please see us immediately!


Additionally, if your tonsils get large enough to touch each other you probably have a serious case of tonsillectomy. Also, if there is an abscess surrounding your tonsils, you will see puss filled sacs. This is another cause for attention.


Treatment of tonsillitis and ear infections generally requires antibiotics. If left untreated, tonsillitis could damage organs in your body. A tonsillectomy is an in which the tonsils are removed. Adenoidectomy is the removal of the adenoids. The combined operation is called a T&A. Generally these surgical procedures are performed if antibiotics are unresponsive. If antibiotics do not work to eliminate tonsillitis or ear infection, a tonsillectomy and possible adenoidectomy may be performed. These surgical procedures will help you reduce the number of throat and ear infections.


Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy is performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Campano can remove the tonsils and/or adenoids in many different ways. Traditional surgery requires the use of a scalpel. Some surgeries respond better to a laser. When surgery is complete, bleeding is stopped and the patient is admitted into recovery. Upon awakening, you will be given pain medication. Within a little while, you will be able to go home. Surgery is usually well tolerated although a sore throat is common for the first 5-10 days after surgery. Watch for bleeding. You will initially find it easiest to swallow liquids and cold desert like foods.

After Tonsillectomy/Adenoidectomy

  • Eating

    The most important thing is to drink liquids, otherwise dehydration can sometimes occur. Solid foods are not as important to take as are liquids for this reason. Also, there may be too much soreness to swallow solids. Stay away from foods which are sour, salty, sharp or hot since this may cause pain and discomfort.


    Suggested liquids: Apple juice, grape juice, Hi-C, Gator Aid ,etc.), sodas (you may want to let the “fizz” out first), popsicles, sherbet, apple sauce, Jell-O, pudding.Not Recommended: Solids, orange juice (any citric drink), spicy foods. These are only guides. The important thing is to have your child swallow liquids. Whatever works is the best thing to give. Milk products may increase mucus secretions but if the child will only drink a milk shake and eat ice cream then it is OK to give them.

  • Bleeding

    There is usually not too much bleeding during the operation, but there is always a chance of bleeding when you come home after the operation. The most common time for bleeding after tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy is 4 to 8 days after surgery. Sometimes bleeding may occur in the first 24 hours after the operation. Usually this early bleeding occurs within the first 2 hours. However, bleeding can occur at any time, until everything is healed, which takes about two to three weeks. If this occurs, have the child swallow some ice water. If the bleeding persists, you should go to the Emergency Room for evaluation.

  • Manage The Pain

    The two things that make pain go away are taking liquid Tylenol with Codeine (you will get a prescription to take home with you) and swallowing lots of liquids.

  • Fever

    A small fever (100 or 101 degrees) is common after surgery. If it goes above 102, call and we will discuss it. Often, fever goes away in a few days. You may give Tylenol to decrease the fever but DO NOT overdose this medication if you have given Tylenol with Codeine pain medications. Stay away from aspirin, Advil and other non-steroidal pain relievers since they can increase bleeding.


    Make sure you are giving the pain medicine often.

  • What About Antibiotics

    Antibiotics after surgery will help the healing process. It will also prevent infection after the surgery. It is very important that you take both antibiotics and pain medications.

  • Activities

    You should rest for the first few days. You can be in a car, and they can go with to the store but they will be tired for the first several days. Avoid strenuous activity. You should stay in town for 21 days after surgery in case there is delayed bleeding.

  • Check Ups

    Ask your doctor when you should come back for a checkup; usually the first visit should be made for 2 to 3 weeks after surgery.If you have any questions, please call the office or answering service. Dr. Campano or a member of her staff will speak to you or return your call as quickly as possible.

SNORING TREATMENT

Click the link below to hear Dr. Campano discuss her treatment on snoring:

View Additional Snoring Treatments:

Pillar Implant

The Pillar Procedure is a simple, safe, and effective treatment designed to stiffen your soft palate to help you stop snoring. In many cases, it can also help people suffering from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It’s a relatively painless procedure that can be performed in a doctor’s office in about 20 minutes, using only local anesthetic.


During the Pillar Procedure, Dr. Campano places 3 tiny woven implants (approximately 0.7 inches long and 0.08 inches wide) into the soft palate using a sterile delivery tool. Over time, the implants, together with the body’s natural fibrotic response, add structural support to stiffen the soft palate and reduce the tissue vibration that can cause snoring. The implants also help reduce the tissue collapse that can obstruct the upper airway and cause sleep apnea.


The Pillar Procedure implants are made of a woven polyester material that has been used in implantable medical devices for more than 50 years. Want to know What to Expect with the Pillar Procedure? Hint: You won’t even feel the implants.


Tiny Pillar Procedure implants are inserted into the soft palate to reduce the tissue vibration that can cause snoring.

HEARING TESTS

Hearing loss is the sudden or gradual decrease in hearing. Hearing loss can be mild or severe, reversible, temporary or permanent, and may affect one or both ears. The most common cause of hearing loss is age, affecting up to 25 percent of people between the ages of 65 and 75 and up to 50 percent of those over the age of 75. Age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, results from changes in the ear which cause gradual hearing loss. Some individuals are hearing-impaired or deaf as a result of a congenital defect or because of an illness, such as Ménière’s disease.

Causes Of Hearing Loss

Most cases of hearing loss are caused by damage to the inner ear. Temporary or permanent hearing loss in people of all ages may be caused by:

  • Chronic exposure to loud noises, such as loud music or machinery
  • Wax buildup in one or both ears
  • Family history
  • Fluid buildup due to ear infection
  • Foreign object stuck in the ear canal
  • Ototoxic medication

Hearing loss may be caused by perforation of the eardrum from illness or injury or damage to the tiny bones, or ossicles, of the ear.

Types Of Hearing Loss

There are three basic types of hearing loss, varying both in causes and treatment.

  • Conductive

    In conductive hearing loss, the problem results from a structural or blockage problem with the outer or middle ear. This variety of hearing loss, which causes sounds to be less audible, is most often treated with surgery.

  • Sensorineural

    In sensorineural hearing loss, the difficulty results from damage to the inner ear or to the auditory nerve, most commonly because the hair cells are not functioning properly. Sensorineural hearing loss, which causes sounds to be less intelligible, is often treated successfully with hearing aids.

  • Mixed Hearing Loss

    Mixed hearing loss occurs when the patient suffers from hearing loss as a result of both neural and conductive malfunctions affecting both the both the outer or middle and the inner ear. Mixed hearing loss is most often treated with bone anchored hearing aids.

Hearing loss may affect a person’s relationships, employment, education, and general quality of life. People with significant hearing loss may also suffer from feelings of isolation, depression and anxiety.

Symptoms Of Hearing Loss

While hearing loss may affect social interaction and other aspects of daily life, people are often unaware that they have a loss of hearing until others point it out to them. Common signs and symptoms of hearing loss may include:

  • Muffled or unusually loud speech
  • Inability to understand or decipher conversation
  • Sensation that one or both ears are plugged
  • Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears

People who are suffering from hearing loss may constantly have a need for increased volume on radio or television.

  • Diagnosis Of Hearing Loss

    Hearing loss is diagnosed through a physical examination and various hearing tests may be performed. Tuning fork tests can help to diagnose whether the vibrating parts of the middle ear, including the eardrum, are working properly and whether there is damage to the sensors or nerves of the inner ear. Audiometer tests are used to determine the limits of the individual’s hearing.

  • Treatment Of Hearing Loss

    Treatment of hearing loss depends in the cause of the problem. For temporary loss of hearing due to wax buildup, a thorough cleaning of the ear canal, also known as an irrigation or lavage, may be helpful. Hearing loss caused by an ear infection may be treated with antibiotics and decongestants to rid mucus from the ears. For more permanent types of hearing loss resulting from aging, or damage to the inner ear, hearing aids may be helpful, although adjusting to them may take a few weeks.


    When the eardrum has been torn or perforated, a surgical procedure known as tympanoplasty, may be necessary to repair the eardrum. Individuals with more profound hearing loss as a result of a congenital defect, injury or disease, may benefit from the surgical implantation of a cochlear implant, a small electronic device that helps to provide a sense of sound. Individuals coping with severe hearing loss may also learn to pay careful attention to gestures and facial expressions, to read lips, or to use sign language in order to improve their communication skills.

Sleep ApneA

There are several treatment options available. An initial treatment may consist of using a nasal CPAP machine that delivers pressurized oxygen through a nasal mask to limit obstruction at night. One of the surgical options is an uvulo-palato-pharyngo-plasty (UPPP), which is performed in the back of the soft palate and throat. A similar procedure is sometimes done with the assistance of a laser and is called a laser assisted uvulo-palato-plasty (LAUPP). In other cases, a radio-frequency probe is utilized to tighten the soft palate. These procedures usually performed under light IV sedation in the office.



In more complex cases, the bones of the upper and lower jaw may be repositioned to increase the size of the airway (orthognathic surgery). This procedure is done in the hospital under general anesthesia and requires a one to two day overnight stay in the hospital.

Thyroid Surgery

The thyroid gland, located in the neck just below the larynx, regulates the body’s energy levels, releasing hormones to regulate metabolism. Thyroid hormones influence virtually every system in the body, regulating the rate at which organs function, as well as the body’s consumption of oxygen and production of heat. When hyperthyroidism, the production of too much thyroid hormone, occurs, and cannot be adequately controlled with medication or other treatment, thyroid surgery is necessary.

Reasons For Thyroid Surgery

Thyroid surgery is used to treat a variety of thyroid conditions such as thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules, or Graves’ disease, an immune disorder that results in hyperactivity of the gland. When the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone for any reason, the condition is called hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism results in the speeding up of the body’s metabolism. This increased metabolic rate can have serious medical consequences, resulting in any or all of the following symptoms:

  • Goiter, enlargement of the thyroid gland
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Diarrhea or frequent bowel movements
  • Irritability, anxiety
  • Intolerance to heat
  • Visual problems
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Infertility

Surgery is rarely necessary to treat hyperthyroidism unless there is either a suspicion of cancer, a benign nodule that has grown large enough to interfere with swallowing or breathing, a cyst on the gland that refills after drainage, or if hyperthyroidism treatment with medication or radioactive iodine alone is not effective. Another reason for surgery is pregnancy, since it may not be safe for a pregnant woman to take the necessary medications or treatment.

Thyroid Surgery Procedures

There are several types of thyroid surgery, all involving partial or total removal of the gland. Which surgery is performed depends on the reasons for the procedure. The types of surgery for thyroid disease include:

  • Biopsy, removal of a tissue sample for microscopic examination
  • Lumpectomy, removal of a small diseased part of the thyroid gland
  • Lobectomy, removal of one lobe and the isthmus which connects the lobes
  • Subtotal thyroidectomy, removal of one lobe, the isthmus, and part of the second lobe
  • Total thyroidectomy, removal of the entire gland and the surrounding lymph nodes

Depending on several factors, especially how extensive the necessary procedure will be, the operation may be performed traditionally or with a minimally invasive video-assisted, sometimes robotic, procedure. The patient will have a breathing tube in the throat during surgery and a drain may remain in the neck for 12 hours after the procedure. The length of the surgery depends on how much needs to accomplished. Minimal operations may be performed outpatient, while for more complex surgeries the patient may be hospitalized for a night or two.

Recovery From Thyroid Surgery

After the operation, the patient’s throat will be sore due to the breathing tube inserted during surgery. While most patients are able to return to their normal activities in one day or several, depending on the extent of the surgery, strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting or vigorous sports, must be avoided for at least 10 days after the operation.



Most thyroid surgeries are very successful, but the majority of patients develop hypothyroidism as a consequence of the procedure. This will require ongoing treatment with hormone therapy, but is not usually problematic. The patient may also need follow-up treatment with radioactive iodine to shrink thyroid tissue either because hyperactivity of the gland continues to be an issue or in order to stem the growth of a thyroid cancer.

Risks Of Thyroid Surgery

Thyroid surgery is generally a safe procedure, but complications may occur. In a very small number of cases, the nerves controlling the vocal cords may be damaged, resulting in hoarseness or other changes in voice quality. Laryngeal monitoring of the vocal cord nerves, however, enables the surgeon to be in careful control of the situation. Another possible cause for concern is that the parathyroid glands, which are tiny and difficult to differentiate from other tissue on the thyroid gland, may be inadvertently damaged during surgery.



Other risks are the risks inherent in any surgical procedure. These include: excessive bleeding, abnormal blood clots, adverse reaction to anesthesia or medication, infection, or breathing problems.

View Additional Thyroid Services:

Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid nodules are abnormal growths on the thyroid gland that may be solid or filled with fluid. The majority of thyroid nodules do not cause any symptoms and only a small percentage are cancerous, but because the thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck, large nodules can sometimes interfere with normal breathing or swallowing. Also, thyroid nodules sometimes affect hormone secretion which may result in other medical problems.

Causes Of Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid nodules may appear as cysts, which are fluid-filled, or as solid masses, and may present as a singular nodule or as a multinodular goiter. They may be the result of:

  • Iodine deficiency
  • Overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue
  • Thyroiditis, an inflammation of the gland
  • Thyroid cancer

Few thyroid nodules are cancerous, but it may be difficult to ascertain whether a malignancy exists without a fine needle biopsy of thyroid tissue. Neither size nor symptoms alone are indications that a cancer is present, although malignant tumors on the gland frequently enlarge more quickly than benign growths.

Risk Factors For Thyroid Nodules

While the development of thyroid nodules is much more common in women than in men, when men develop thyroid cancer, the disease tends to be more aggressive. Risk factors for thyroid nodules may include a family history of thyroid disease, radiation exposure, especially to the head or neck.

Symptoms Of Thyroid Nodules

Many patients with thyroid nodules are asymptomatic, unaware that there is a problem until their doctor discovers them during a routine physical examination. If the nodules enlarge, however, they may exert pressure on the windpipe or on the esophagus, interfering with swallowing or breathing. If thyroid nodules affect hormone production, patients may experience a variety of symptoms of either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

  • Weight loss
  • Nervousness or irritability
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Muscle weakness
  • Intolerance to heat

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include

  • Weight gain
  • Hair loss
  • Dry skin
  • Fatigue
  • Constipation
  • Intolerance to cold
Treatment Of Thyroid Nodules

Treatment of thyroid nodules depends on the type. Often, all that may be required for a benign nodule is watchful waiting. If the nodule has enlarged to the point that it interferes with breathing or swallowing, it will usually require suppressive hormone treatment or surgery. If the patient is experiencing symptoms of hyperthyroidism, radioactive iodine may be administered.



If a thyroid nodule proves to be cancerous, surgery is usually required to remove some or all of the gland. Radioactive iodine may also be prescribed. If a patient has a large part of the thyroid gland removed, hormone replacement will have to be taken for the remainder of the patient’s life. This usually presents no problem. Thyroid cancer patients have a very high rate of complete recovery.

Risks Of Thyroid Nodules

The most immediately life-threatening risk of thyroiditis resulting from thyroid nodules is thyrotoxic crisis, a sudden and potentially life-threatening intensification of symptoms that requires emergency care. There is also a risk that hyperthyroidism may result in heart problems or osteoporosis. While there is a risk that thyroid nodules may be cancerous, since malignancies of the thyroid gland are usually found in their early stages, they respond well to treatment. Patients with thyroid cancer almost always have a good prognosis.

Thyroid Cancer

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the throat that controls the body’s heart rate, temperature and metabolism. Cancer of the thyroid gland can interrupt those vital functions, and lead to other complications. Fortunately, thyroid cancer can usually be successfully treated through minimally invasive methods. Thyroid tumors are somewhat common, and most are not cancerous. Cancer may develop as a result of age, exposure to radiation or a family history of goiters, cancer or other diseases. The thyroid is made up of follicular cells and C cells, either of which may develop cancer.

Risks Factors For Thyroid Cancer

The following may increase the risk of getting certain types of thyroid cancer:

  • Being between 25 and 65 years old
  • Being female
  • Being Asian or Caucasian
  • Having a family history of thyroid disease
  • Having a family history of precancerous polyps in the colon
  • Carrying an abnormal RET oncogene
  • Having had radiation treatments to the head or neck
  • Having a diet low in iodine

Types Of Thyroid Cancer

There are four types of cancer that develop in the thyroid gland, and one that develops in glands in the neck.

  • Papillary Cancer

    The most common form of thyroid cancer, papillary cancer usually appears as a single mass in one lobe of the thyroid. It is slow-growing, but may spread to the lymph nodes. It is most common in women between 30 and 50 years old.

  • Follicular Cancer

    The second-most-common form of thyroid cancer, follicular cancer usually remains in the thyroid gland. If it does spread, it is often to other parts of the body, such as the lungs and bones, rather than the lymph nodes.

  • Medullary Cancer

    Accounting for about 2 percent of thyroid cancers, medullary cancer develops in the C cells of the thyroid gland. It may run in families, and can spread to other parts of the body even before a mass in the thyroid is discovered. The treatment outcome for this type of cancer is usually not as good as it is for papillary and follicular cancers.

  • Anaplastic Cancer

    A rare form of thyroid cancer, anaplastic cancer accounts for about 1 percent of all cases. It is fast-growing, often spreads to other parts of the body, and is quite difficult to treat. It usually affects people older than 60.

Symptoms Of Thyroid Cancer

Symptoms or signs of thyroid cancer may include:

  • A bump or lump, or swelling, in the neck that may grow rapidly
  • Pain in the front of the neck that may run up to the ears
  • Hoarseness or other voice changes that do not go away
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Wheezing or difficulty breathing
  • A constant cough that is not due to a cold

Diagnosis Of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer can be diagnosed through a series of tests. Once diagnosed, further testing can help determine the disease’s stage and whether or not it has spread. Diagnostic tests include:

  • Surgical biopsy
  • Ultrasound exam
  • CT or CAT scan
  • Laryngoscopy
  • Blood tests
  • Fine-needle-aspiration biopsy

Treatment Of Thyroid Cancer

Surgery is the most common treatment for thyroid cancer. It is the only way to ensure a complete removal of all cancer cells, and greatly reduce the risk of recurrence. Types of surgery may include:

  • Lobectomy, removal of the lobe in which the cancer is found
  • Near-total thyroidectomy, removal of all but a very small portion of the thyroid
  • Total thyroidectomy, removal of the entire thyroid
  • Lymphadenectomy, removal of any cancerous lymph nodes from the neck

Additional standard treatments may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, thyroid hormone therapy and targeted therapy. Thyroid cancer may be slow-growing enough to allow treatment to be delayed. Those who choose to postpone treatment should be closely monitored by a physician.