Thyroid and parathyroid surgery in children are performed to treat some conditions affecting the thyroid gland and the nearby parathyroid glands. The thyroid gland is a hormone gland low in the neck. it is surrounded by the parathyroid glands which help regulate calcium levels in the body. Thyroid surgery in children is most commonly indicated for thyroid nodules that are suspicious for cancer, confirmed thyroid cancer, or, less commonly for large goiters (enlarged thyroid glands) that cause pressure symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing. Parathyroid surgery is indicated when one or more parathyroid glands are overactive causing elevated elevated calcium levels, kidney stones, bone pain, or fatigue.

Before recommending surgery, children typically undergo a thorough evaluation that may include ultrasound imaging, blood tests, and sometimes a biopsy of a thyroid nodule. For parathyroid disease, imaging and lab studies help locate the overactive gland. When surgery is necessary, it is performed under general anesthesia with a pediatric anesthesiologist to ensure the child is safe throughout the procedure. Our surgeons carefully operate in the neck to remove part or all of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) or the abnormal parathyroid gland(s), depending on the diagnosis.

The benefits of surgery depend on the condition being treated. For thyroid disease, surgery can remove cancer or suspicious nodules or relieve compressive symptoms. For parathyroid disease, surgery can normalize calcium levels, improving symptoms such as fatigue, bone pain, and reducing long-term risks like kidney stones or bone thinning. In many cases, surgery provides a definitive treatment and can significantly improve a child’s health and quality of life.

As with any neck surgery, there are important risks to consider. These include bleeding, infection, and scarring. More specific risks include injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which can affect the voice, and damage to the parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery, which can lead to low calcium levels requiring temporary or, rarely long-term supplementation. Pediatric surgeons take great care to minimize these risks using meticulous technique and nerve monitoring during surgery.

Recovery is usually well tolerated. Most children stay in the hospital for one night after thyroid or parathyroid surgery for monitoring, especially to watch calcium levels and ensure comfort. Mild neck soreness, hoarseness, or fatigue is common in the first few days. Pain is typically manageable with oral medications. Children can usually return to school and normal activities within about one week, although strenuous activity may be restricted for a short period. Follow-up care is very important, as some children may need long-term thyroid hormone replacement after thyroid surgery or calcium supplementation after thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Overall, these procedures are highly effective and, when needed, can provide excellent long-term outcomes for children.

Our team at ENT for Kids has the most extensive pediatric thyroid and parathyroid surgical experience in North Florida.

If your child has been diagnosed with a thyroid mass or parathyroid disorder, please reach out to our team to arrange a consult.  

Content created with assistance from Open AI, ChatGPT