Thyroid Surgery in East Valley, AZ

Serving Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek & Beyond

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front lower part of your neck. It produces hormones that regulate your temperature and metabolism. It also supports the digestive and circulatory systems, helps maintain muscle control, and affects bone health. Unfortunately, the thyroid can also cause problems, which may require you to have it surgically removed.

Thyroid surgery is a common operation in the United States. The team at Surgical Professionals has performed numerous thyroid procedures over the past 20 years, making us highly qualified to help make your surgery a success. We would be happy to meet with you and evaluate your unique situation to determine the best treatment options for you.

To schedule a consultation for thyroid surgery in Arizona, please contact us today. We operate at most major hospitals in Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, and surrounding areas.

Who Needs Thyroid Surgery?

Your doctor may recommend thyroid surgery to treat numerous conditions.

  • Thyroid nodules or goiters are usually benign, but they may become cancerous. Your doctor will do a thorough workup possibly including a needle biopsy before recommending surgery.
  • An enlarged thyroid can cause bothersome or even dangerous symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing or breathing and changes to the voice. Surgery eliminates these problems.
  • Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, can be treated in multiple ways. If conservative treatments don’t work, surgery may be recommended. This is uncommon however.
  • Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition, can cause hyperthyroidism. Other approaches may be successful at treating Graves’ disease, but surgery is still necessary in some cases.

Types of Thyroid Surgeries

Here are some of the common types of thyroid surgeries we perform:

  • Isthmusectomy is a surgery that removes the isthmus, a piece of connective tissue that connects the two lobes of your thyroid. This is effective for treating small tumors located on the isthmus.
  • Hemithyroidectomy or lobectomy involves removing one half of the thyroid. This could be right for you if a nodule or low-risk cancer is limited to one lobe of the thyroid.
  • Total thyroidectomy is the complete removal of the thyroid gland. Bilateral thyroid nodules, some types of cancer, and Graves’ disease may require this surgery.

How Is Thyroid Surgery Performed?

thyroid surgery surgical professionals Partial or complete thyroid removal is performed under general anesthesia, which means you are asleep during the operation. The surgeon makes an incision in the neck to get to the thyroid gland itself.  The delicate procedure takes about two or more hours to complete.  Extreme care will be used to minimize the risks to surrounding structures in your neck.

When you wake up, you will recover from the anesthesia for a few hours at the hospital. Unless complications occur, you can expect to return home the same day. If you have had both sides of your thyroid removed, we will often keep you overnight for monitoring and send you home the following day, in most cases. You may need to limit exercise for a few days or weeks based on your doctor’s instructions. You will not be able to drive until you can fully turn your head without discomfort.

Risks of Thyroid Surgery

The risk of complication is low, but your doctor may warn you of the following risks before you agree to undergo thyroid surgery:

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

After surgery, your doctor may monitor your hormone and calcium levels to detect any damage to your parathyroid glands. This is usually done after both lobes of your thyroid have been removed. You should also be prepared to take thyroid hormone replacement medication.

If only a portion of your thyroid is removed, there’s an 80% chance that the remaining gland will produce enough hormone that replacement medication isn’t necessary. For total thyroidectomy or cases of hypothyroidism, you may need medication for the rest of your life. Your primary care physician or endocrinologist will help you manage this.

Schedule Thyroid Surgery in the Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, and Surrounding Areas

If you have problems with your thyroid, and if you think you may need surgery, we would be happy to meet with you. Not all thyroid disorders require surgery and your endocrinologist or primary care doctor can help you treat your condition if this is the case.

If you do need surgery, our surgeons at Surgical Professionals combine advanced surgical care with unwavering compassion. Our team works closely with our patients and primary care colleagues to deliver the best possible results. Care begins with a thorough consultation. We look forward to meeting with you.

Contact Surgical Professionals today at 480-892-2456 to schedule a consultation for thyroid surgery in Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, or Queen Creek.

Please note that the above information is provided for general purposes only and may not apply to your specific situation. Our surgical capabilities may also be subject to change. Contact us to discuss your medical condition, determine the most appropriate treatment for your individual case, and confirm that we can address your procedure.

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 /