This page provides information for patients undergoing thyroid surgery in Miami and the surrounding areas of South Florida. More information about Dr. Rodgers can be found at About Dr. Rodgers and at UMiamiHealth.org.
The two most common types of thyroid surgery are total thyroidectomy and thyroid lobectomy, also known as hemithyroidectomy. Thyroid surgery may be performed for a variety of reasons, including benign thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules with features suspicious for thyroid cancer, and Graves’ disease. Diseases of the thyroid are typically diagnosed by an endocrinologist. Thyroid surgery is most often performed by an endocrine surgeon, a general surgeon, or an otolaryngologist (ENT).
Before undergoing thyroid surgery, you will meet with your surgeon in the clinic. He or she will discuss preoperative and postoperative issues with you. However, many patients are overwhelmed by the flood of information facing them. We recommend that you read through the following web pages in order to reinforce what was discussed in the clinic and to help answer any remaining questions you may have.
Thyroid Anatomy & Physiology – This page describes the anatomy of the thyroid gland and surrounding structures, as well as how the thyroid gland functions.
What Should I Know Before My Thyroid Operation? – This page describes the operation itself and common complications that you should be aware of.
What Should I Know After My Thyroid Operation? – This page describes the most common postoperative issues and how to deal with them.
How to Find a Thyroid Surgeon in Miami – Information about choosing the best surgeon to perform your thyroid operation
How to Find a Thyroid Surgeon
Thyroid surgery may be performed by a general surgeon or an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor, or ENT). General surgeons who practice endocrine surgery often have specialty training in either endocrine surgery or surgical oncology. Specialty training in these areas requires a one- or two-year fellowship after completing a general surgery residency.
Steven E. Rodgers, MD, PhD
Dr. Rodgers is an experienced thyroid surgeon at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center near downtown Miami. He is a general surgeon who completed a 2-year fellowship in surgical oncology at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Rodgers has been in practice since 2006, when he completed his training. He routinely performs total thyroidectomy, thyroid lobectomy, central compartment lymph node dissection, lateral cervical lymph node dissection (aka modified radical neck dissection, functional neck dissection, or selective neck dissection), and removal of substernal goiters. More information about Dr. Rodgers can be found at About Dr. Rodgers and at UMiamiHealth.org.