Head and Neck Surgery

A thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure in which all or part of the thyroid gland is removed. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of your neck, just below the Adam's apple. It plays a crucial role in regulating your metabolism by producing hormones that control how your body uses energy. Sometimes, the thyroid gland can develop problems such as nodules, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), or cancer, which may require a thyroidectomy to remove the affected tissue.

There are different types of thyroidectomy depending on how much of the gland needs to be removed. In a total thyroidectomy, the entire thyroid gland is removed, while in a partial thyroidectomy, only a part of the gland is taken out. This surgery is typically done under general anaesthesia, meaning you’ll be asleep during the procedure. After the surgery, some patients may need to take thyroid hormone replacement medication to help regulate their metabolism, especially if the entire gland is removed. The recovery period usually involves a few days of rest, and most people can return to their normal activities within a couple of weeks.

A parotidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the parotid gland, which is one of the major salivary glands located just in front of and below the ear. This surgery is usually performed to remove tumours or growths within the parotid gland, which can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The parotid gland produces saliva that helps with digestion and keeps the mouth moist. When a tumour forms in this gland, it can cause swelling, pain, or facial weakness, and needs to be removed to prevent further complications. During a parotidectomy, the surgeon carefully removes the affected portion of the gland while taking care to avoid damaging the facial nerve, which runs through the parotid gland and controls facial movements. The surgery is typically done under general anaesthesia, so the patient is asleep and doesn’t feel any pain. After the surgery, most patients experience some swelling and discomfort, which gradually improves. Depending on the extent of the surgery, recovery can take a few weeks. The procedure is important for treating tumours and other issues in the parotid gland while preserving as much normal function as possible.

Excision of neck cysts and nodules is a surgical procedure to remove abnormal lumps that can develop in the neck area. These cysts and nodules can be filled with fluid or solid tissue and may be caused by various conditions, such as infections, benign growths, or in some cases, cancer. The surgery is performed to diagnose the nature of the lump, relieve any discomfort, or prevent potential complications if the growth is malignant.

During the procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision in the neck to access and remove the cyst or nodule. The surgery is typically done under local or general anaesthesia, depending on the size and location of the growth. After the cyst or nodule is removed, the tissue may be sent to a lab for analysis to determine if it is benign or malignant. Recovery from the surgery usually involves some mild pain and swelling, which can be managed with medication. Most people recover quickly and can resume their normal activities within a few weeks, with follow-up appointments to ensure the area heals properly.

Transoral surgery for the excision of a plunging ranula is a procedure used to remove a type of cyst that forms under the tongue and can extend into the neck. A plunging ranula occurs when saliva from a salivary gland (sublingual gland) accumulates in the tissues beneath the mouth, creating a soft, swollen area. This condition can cause discomfort, swelling in the neck, difficulty swallowing, and sometimes problems with speech. Transoral surgery is performed through the mouth, meaning there are no external cuts, which helps reduce scarring and recovery time. During the surgery, the doctor makes an incision inside the mouth to access and remove the ranula and the affected salivary gland. This approach ensures that the cyst and its source are fully excised, helping to prevent the ranula from coming back. Since the surgery is performed entirely through the mouth, recovery is usually quicker and less painful than other surgical approaches. Most patients can return home the same day and resume normal activities within a few days, though they might need to follow a soft diet and avoid certain activities while the area heals.

Excision of the submandibular glands is a surgical procedure to remove one or both of the submandibular glands, which are a pair of salivary glands located beneath the jaw, on either side of the neck. These glands are responsible for producing saliva that helps with digestion and keeping the mouth moist. The surgery is usually performed when there is a problem with the gland, such as a persistent infection, a blockage caused by salivary stones, or the presence of a tumour, which can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision below the jawline to carefully remove the affected gland. The surgery is typically done under general anaesthesia, so the patient is asleep and doesn’t feel any pain. After the excision, most people experience some swelling and discomfort in the area, which can be managed with pain relief and usually improves over a few days. Removing the submandibular gland often resolves symptoms like pain, swelling, or difficulty swallowing, and in the case of tumours, helps prevent the spread of cancer or other complications. Most patients recover fully within a few weeks and can return to their normal activities.

Surgery for a thyroglossal cyst involves removing a fluid-filled sac that develops in the front of the neck, usually near the base of the tongue. A thyroglossal cyst forms from leftover tissue of the thyroid gland during development in the womb and can cause symptoms like a noticeable lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, or recurrent infections if it becomes infected. The surgery, called a Sistrunk procedure, aims to remove the cyst and prevent it from coming back, which is essential because the cyst can sometimes grow or become painful over time.

During the surgery, the doctor makes a small incision in the neck to access and remove the cyst, along with a small portion of the hyoid bone (a small bone in the neck) and a track of tissue that may connect the cyst to the tongue base. This is done to ensure that all the cyst-related tissue is removed, significantly reducing the chances of the cyst recurring. The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia, so the patient is asleep and doesn’t feel any pain. Most people can go home the same day or the next, and recovery involves mild discomfort or swelling, which typically resolves within a week or two. This surgery is highly effective and provides relief from symptoms, with a low risk of the cyst returning.