Grave’s Disease Surgery in Boulder, CO

Alpine Surgical offers Graves’ disease surgery in Boulder, CO. If you have a goiter or an overactive thyroid, it may be caused by a condition called Graves’ disease. Read on to learn more about this thyroid gland condition and its treatment.

What Is Graves’ Disease?

Graves’ disease is an immune system disorder that affects the thyroid gland. It causes the body to produce excess thyroid hormone. That condition is known as hyperthyroidism. Graves’ disease may also cause thyroid gland enlargement (goiter).

Graves’ disease happens when your immune system attacks the healthy cells in your thyroid gland for an undetermined reason. Anyone can develop Graves’ disease. However, it is more common among women and those over the age of 30.

You’re at high risk of getting Graves’ disease if you have a family history of thyroid disease or smoking problems. This is also true if you have another autoimmune disease like lupus, vitiligo, or type 1 diabetes.

Graves’ disease accounts for 60% to 80% of hyperthyroidism in the U.S. Nonetheless, it is still considered a rare disease.

Surgical Options for Hyperthyroidism Caused by Graves’ Disease

If you’ve been diagnosed with Graves’ disease, there are several non-surgical treatments that can help you. These include antithyroid medications and Radioiodine Therapy. When none of these treatments work, surgical removal of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) is the next best treatment.

Graves’ disease surgery involves the removal of all or part of your thyroid gland. It is often conducted under general anesthesia, which puts you to sleep for the length of the procedure. During the surgery, an incision will be made on your lower neck to access the thyroid gland. Then, the gland will be removed carefully to ensure that no other nearby organs are affected.

After surgery, you will have to stay overnight at the hospital for recovery. A common side effect of the surgery is insufficient thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism). If you acquire this illness, you may need to take thyroid hormone replacement for the rest of your life.

Graves’ Disease Surgery at Alpine Surgical

Graves’ disease can affect several parts of your body, including the heart, eyes, skin, bones, and liver. Although considered a rare condition, it is still a treatable disease. There are available effective treatments, including surgical removal of the thyroid gland. Contact Alpine Surgical for Graves’ disease surgery in Boulder, CO.