Thyroid Gland

The Thyroid Gland is located in the neck at the front of the airway and controls the metabolism of the body by producing a thyroid hormone.

Thyroid Surgery

The type of surgery undertaken will depend on the thyroid condition diagnosed.

A Hemithyroidectomy is a minimally invasive surgical technique involving only a small incision in the neck. An example of when this may be performed is if the thyroid gland has grown in size and is now causing obstruction or a deformity. It may also be undertaken to provide a diagnosis or exclude cancer. 

A Thyroidectomy is the removal of the whole thyroid gland and is commonly undertaken in the case of the gland reaching such a size that the patient is having difficulty breathing or swallowing, due to Graves disease or in the case of thyroid cancer being found.

Parathyroid Gland

The Parathyroid Gland are four very small granular glands located in the neck at the back side of the thyroid gland. Their function is to control the level of calcium in the blood stream.

Parathyroid Surgery

If the body begins to produce too much calcium this can negatively affect the body in multiple different, some of the common results of high calcium levels in the blood are: kidney stones, fatigue, issues with bones and arrhythmias.

From investigations prior to surgery if it is found that the rise in calcium is due to one overactive parathyroid gland you may be a candidate for a minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. This procedure will only require a single overnight stay in hospital due to the small incisions. In the case that multiple glands are the cause of the problem a slightly longer stay in hospital will be required.

Dr Chen has expertise in advanced endocrine techniques and utilises nerve monitoring for all of his procedures.