Thyroid Surgery in Phoenix, AZ

Sitting at the low point on the front of the neck, the thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that secretes several hormones that support digestion and help balance things like metabolism, body temperature, bone health, and muscle control.

While the thyroid has a lot of beneficial attributes, it can also cause a range of issues, ultimately leading to the need of its removal. At Surgical Professionals, our team of highly qualified surgeons is willing and able to schedule a consultation with you in order to examine your situation and determine the best solution for your specific needs.

Schedule a consultation with us today at 480-892-2456 or reach out online to learn more!

Who Needs Thyroid Surgery?

Upon consulting your doctor, thyroid surgery may be recommended for several different issues:

  • An enlarged thyroid: A swollen/enlarged thyroid can result in difficulty breathing or swallowing or even changes to the voice, and surgery is your best bet at getting rid of these annoying and/or dangerous symptoms. Not all cases of an enlarged thyroid require surgery and we would be happy to evaluate your unique case to see if you would benefit from surgery. 
  • Thyroid goiters or nodules: Although these are typically benign, there is a chance they may become cancerous. Procedures, such as a needle biopsy, are performed beforehand to determine if surgery is needed.
  • Graves’ Disease: This is an autoimmune disease in which the thyroid is overstimulated; it may result in hyperthyroidism. This condition usually does not need surgery if without complications.
  • Hyperthyroidism: This is commonly the result of Graves’ disease and is when your thyroid is overactive and producing an abundance of thyroid hormones. This condition usually does not need surgery if without complications.

Types of Thyroid Surgery

Some types of thyroid surgery we specialize in are as follows:

  • Hemithyroidectomy or lobectomy. This surgery is the removal of one lobe (or half) of the thyroid and may be recommended by a doctor should a nodule or low-risk thyroid cancer be found only on one side of the thyroid.
  • Isthmusectomy: This surgery removes the piece of tissue that connects the two lobes of the thyroid, called the isthmus, and is utilized when small tumors on the isthmus are detected.
  • Total thyroidectomy: This is the removal of the entire thyroid gland. In some instances, thyroid cancer, bilateral thyroid nodules, and Graves’ disease require this method of surgery.

How Thyroid Surgery Is Performed

Operating with extreme precision and care, thyroid surgery—whether partial or complete—is performed while the patient is asleep from anesthesia. The surgeon will then make an incision in the neck to reach the thyroid gland; overall, this procedure takes two or more hours.

Upon waking, the patient will recover in the hospital for several hours, ensuring no complications are present. The patient is typically able to return home the day the surgery takes place, unless both sides of the thyroid have been removed and you are kept overnight for further monitoring. Things like exercising and driving should be avoided until a close to full recovery has been made.

Thyroid Surgery Risks

Fortunately, the risk of thyroid surgery complications is low, but it is still present. Before agreeing to thyroid surgery, it is important to familiarize yourself with the potential issues thyroid surgery may result in:

  • Postsurgical infection
  • Pain, discomfort, and bleeding at the incision site
  • Nerve damage that can lead to temporary or permanent problems with speech or breathing, which is very rare.
  • Injury to the trachea or blood vessels in the area
  • Injury to the parathyroid glands, which can affect your calcium. This may be temporary or permanent.

Should both sides of your thyroid be removed, your doctor will keep a close eye on your body’s reaction to surgery, making sure that your hormone and calcium levels are well balanced; you should also expect to receive thyroid hormone replacement medication. If only one side of your thyroid was removed, there’s an 80% chance the other side will produce enough thyroid hormones and medication will not be needed.

Contact Surgical Professionals for Thyroid Surgery in Phoenix

Serving the residents of Phoenix since 2000, we feel confident in our ability to provide our patients with exceptional advice and comprehensive care, no matter their needs. Should thyroid surgery be recommended to you, or you feel as though you may need it, don’t hesitate to consult with us.

Not all thyroid issues require surgery, so it’s important to meet with a specialized healthcare provider in order to determine if your case qualifies for it. If surgery is needed, the surgeons at Surgical Professionals prioritize thyroid surgeries and handle each and every case with advanced knowledge, care, and compassion.

To inquire about our services or schedule a time to meet with us and discuss your situation, call us at 480-892-2456 or reach out online today.

Advanced Surgery Focused on You

We are happy to answer any questions or concerns you have. Contact us to schedule a consultation.

Our Practice
What Our Patients Have to Say
JM

AMAZING! Dr. Ju is an awesome Dr he did an emergency surgery on me, he was so calm and professional. He made what could have been a horrible experience so easy. Thank you, Dr. Ju,
I have had 2 surgeries by Dr. Ju, gallbladder removal & a small fatty tissue tumor in my lower back. Both we’re successful with no complications. Dr. Ju is not only highly skilled as a surgeon, but he is also very personal & compassionate.

John Maas /
SL

March, 2020 Dr. Gray performed my thyroid cancer surgery. Everything went as he said it would. He is a very competent and gifted surgeon. I would highly recommend him as a surgeon.

Shirley LaRocca /
RK

Really trust this Dr. Ju. I am glad I had him to do emergency surgery on me and to put things back to normal.

Robyn Kleinman /
T

July 7 2016 Dr. Grey took the time to answer all my questions even after I had left the office . I was referred to him after a failed attempt with another surgeon and so far I’m 14 hours post surgery and doing good . Thank you Jennifer for your efforts and Dr. Grey

Tiff in Phoenix, AZ /
AB

What can I say Dr. Ju did my very first ever surgery, and wow he was amazing, I was scared out of my mind but he made me feel comfortable, I healed nicely and was no longer in pain. He is an amazing surgeon god definitely blessed his ability.

Agina Blaw /
LG

Dr Gray did an excellent job twice when my father had hernias. One was an emergency situation, and the other was not. Both times, Dr Gray showed expertise in diagnosing the problem, performing the surgery, setting our expectations and follow through after the procedure. I definitely would recommend him for your surgical procedures.

Self-verified patient of Dr. Devin L Gray  /
RM

Dr. Ju saved my life. I had surgery back in 2010 (almost 10 years ago). He is an amazing surgeon with a wonderful concern for his patients. His staff were also very professional and caring during a very difficult time in my life. Thank you, Doctor Ju.

Rose Martin /
LG

Had an inguinal hernia Dr Gray did a great job I strongly recommend his skills

Self-verified patient of Dr. Devin L Gray  /
WF

Dr Ju is amazing. It was my first surgery and I was scared. I came thru it no problems. Thank you!

Wendy Foody /
BB

My entire experience with Doctor Gray was of the utmost professionalism courtesy kindness by all of his staff included. Doctor Gray was dynamic in his experience and his knowledge. In my experience I thought I was taken care very well which gave me a great level of confidence in my experience through this surgery.

Brett Barker /
SS

This Doctor saved my life and I have nothing but admiration for him. Dr. Brian Ju was my surgeon for the removal of my gall bladder 2 weeks ago. He is the most phenomenal and adept surgeon I’ve ever experienced. He even coordinated with the anesthesiologists to ensure that the anesthesia had anti-nausea elements because of my history with nausea!

Sherri Smith /
KP

I am not from the valley but was here to visit my son and his family. Dr. Gray and his staff were amazing in getting me in and actually scheduling my surgery the day after I had my first visit. The office staff – especially Alex is absolutely the BEST. Everyone is extremely efficient and at the same time – very caring. I can not thank Dr. Gray and his staff more! Very grateful and I wish I could package what you have going on and take it home with me! THANK YOU!!!!

Kathi in Pueblo, Colorado /
RR

I was fortunate have Dr. Ju for two surgeries. He was an excellent surgeon for one, and his bed side manor was outstanding. I felt very confident with Dr. Ju and his staff. If I were to have any procedures or surgeries done in the future, I would schedule them with Dr. Ju and the excellent staff at Surgical Professionals Inc. Thank you again to a wonderful professional staff.

Robert Reindl /
LG

Excellent

Self-verified patient of Dr. Devin L Gray  /
JH

10 years ago, gall bladder, now hernia repair. I specifically went back to him because of his bedside manner and professionalism. I highly recommend him to anybody looking for a positive experience.

Jeff Hals /
KG

Excellent bedside manner and surgical skill. Would definitely recommend him!

Karen Garcia /