Head and Neck, Thyroid & Throat Surgery

Thyroid Surgery

Specialist Thyroid Surgeon

The thyroid gland is located at the front of the neck and produces hormones that regulate many functions within the body.

Thyroid surgery may be considered for conditions including:

• Thyroid nodules or cysts
• Multinodular goitre
• An enlarged thyroid causing pressure symptoms
• Thyrotoxicosis or Graves’ disease
• Selected thyroid cancers

The extent of surgery depends on the diagnosis and individual circumstances. It may involve removing part of the thyroid or the whole gland. Thyroid surgery requires careful attention to important structures in the neck, including the recurrent laryngeal nerves and parathyroid glands.

Thyrotoxicosis and Graves’ Disease

Surgical Treatment of Graves’ Disease

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition in which antibodies stimulate the thyroid gland to produce excessive thyroid hormones.

Treatment options can include medication, radioactive iodine and surgery, depending on the patient’s circumstances. Thyroid surgery may be appropriate for selected patients, including some with a large goitre or particular clinical circumstances.

After total thyroid removal, thyroid hormone replacement is generally required. Potential complications include effects on the recurrent laryngeal nerves and parathyroid glands, so the benefits, risks and alternatives should be discussed with an appropriately trained specialist.

Parathyroid Surgery

Surgery for Parathyroid Disorders

The parathyroid glands are small glands located close to the thyroid. They help regulate calcium levels in the body.

Overactivity of one or more parathyroid glands can cause primary hyperparathyroidism, resulting in an abnormally high blood calcium level. Symptoms vary and may include fatigue, thirst, frequent urination, kidney stones or bone problems.

When surgery is indicated, parathyroidectomy removes the abnormal or overactive gland. Specialist assessment and appropriate imaging help with planning because the glands are small and their anatomy can vary.

Salivary Gland Surgery

Parotid and Submandibular Gland Surgery

The major salivary glands include the parotid glands and submandibular glands. Problems may include gland lumps, stones, recurrent infections, blocked ducts, benign tumours and other salivary gland disorders.

Parotid gland surgery

The parotid gland lies in front of and below the ear. Surgery may be required for selected lumps or other significant disease. Because the facial nerve runs through the parotid gland, specialist surgical planning is particularly important.

Submandibular gland surgery

The submandibular glands lie beneath the lower jaw and produce saliva that drains into the mouth beneath the tongue. Recurrent infection or obstruction caused by salivary stones may sometimes require surgery, including gland removal in selected cases.

Vocal Cord Polyps and Nodules

Specialist Assessment of Voice Problems

Persistent hoarseness or voice change should be assessed, particularly when symptoms do not settle. Vocal cord nodules and polyps affect the vocal folds and can interfere with normal vibration.

Vocal cord nodules are commonly associated with repeated vocal trauma, voice misuse or excessive vocal strain. Voice therapy and improved vocal technique are often important; some longstanding or hard nodules may require surgery.

Treatment depends on the lesion and may include:

• Voice therapy and vocal hygiene
• Treatment of contributing conditions, such as reflux, where appropriate
• Microlaryngeal surgery for selected lesions

The aim is to treat the underlying problem while preserving the best possible voice quality.

Why Choose Specialist ENT Care?

Specialist Training and Individualised Treatment

ENT surgery covers conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, head and neck. Specialist training and experience can be particularly important when considering surgery in children or treating complex conditions involving the thyroid, parathyroid, salivary glands, sinuses or voice box.

Mr Jain’s specialist training includes:

• One-year Paediatric ENT Fellowship at Evelina London Children’s Hospital, St Thomas’ Hospital
• Higher surgical training in Head and Neck, Thyroid and Salivary Gland Surgery at University College Hospital London
• Training in adult and paediatric ENT surgery
• Clinical interests in paediatric ENT, rhinology, head and neck, thyroid, parathyroid and salivary gland surgery

The priority is to help patients understand their diagnosis, available treatment options, potential benefits and risks, and whether surgery is appropriate.