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Article: Thyroidectomy: understanding the potential for complications. (Research for Practice).
- Article from:
- MedSurg Nursing
- Article date:
- October 1, 2002
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2002 Jannetti Publications, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Thyroid hormones are responsible for several important metabolic functions in the body including, (a) controlling growth and development, (b) regulating carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and (c) stimulating oxygen consumption by the cells. Alterations in thyroid hormone production may result in deleterious effects for the patient, often necessitating removal of the gland.
Removal of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) is a relatively common surgical procedure. However, as with any operative procedure, there is the possibility of serious complications. The purpose of this article is to describe the anatomy and function of the thyroid gland, and the pathophysiologic ...