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Dr. Benjamin Tabak, MD is a pediatric general surgeon in Tripler Army Medical Center, HI specializing in pediatric general surgery. He graduated from New York Medical College. Dr. Benjamin Tabak, MD is affiliated with Hawaii Pacific Health and Hawaiʻi Pacific Health Medical Group Hawaiʻi Health Partners.
Thyroid Surgery
Thyroid surgery is a procedure to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the lower neck that regulates the hormones that manage metabolism. Thyroid surgery, also known as thyroidectomy, treats thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), goiters (noncancerous thyroid inflammation), and thyroid cancer. It may also be used to remove thyroid nodules or cysts that have a risk of becoming cancerous.
Both hypothyroidism and goiters are caused by an autoimmune reaction where the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells for unknown reasons. The thyroid reacts by releasing too little or too much T3 and T4 thyroid hormones, impairing thyroid function and causing irregular metabolism. Goiters develop from the autoimmune reaction causing continued antibody damage to the thyroid over time. Thyroid goiters are large, swollen lumps that can be felt near the base of the neck. Obstructive goiters can cause pain, coughing, and abnormal breathing. Hypothyroidism may also be caused by iodine deficiency, as iodine is needed to produce thyroid hormones.
The exact cause of thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules or cysts is unknown. While thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules or cysts can occur in individuals with thyroid disorders, they are not associated with a malfunctioning thyroid.
Physicians may prescribe thyroid surgery if blood tests reveal patients' thyroid stimulating hormones (TSA) are outside of the acceptable range, indicating a malfunctioning thyroid. Thyroid biopsies (tissue samples) and tests for thyroid-attacking antibodies are also criteria for surgery.
An ENT or general surgeon performs thyroid surgery. While a patient is placed under anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision at the center of the neck and removes the thyroid gland. Two alternative methods of thyroid surgery are transoral (incision through the mouth) and endoscopic, where a surgeon operates a video camera for live footage to help guide the removal process.
Thyroid surgery requires minimal aftercare. Most patients recover quickly and resume normal activities within a few days of surgery. However, thyroid surgery patients must take daily synthetic thyroid medication (levothyroxine) for life to replace their removed thyroid.
Dr. Benjamin Tabak, MD graduated from New York Medical College. He completed residency at Tripler Army Medical Center. He has a state license in Hawaii.
Medical School: New York Medical College
Residency: Tripler Army Medical Center
Licensed In: Hawaii
Dr. Benjamin Tabak, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.67 out of 5 stars based on 39 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Benjamin Tabak, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Tripler Army Medical Center, HI.
Dr. Benjamin Tabak's specialty is pediatric general surgery. His areas of expertise include the following: cancer surgery, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and neuroblastoma (nerve cancer). He is professionally affiliated with Hawaii Pacific Health. Dr. Tabak attended New York Medical College and then went on to complete his residency at Tripler Army Medical Center. In addition to English, he speaks Spanish.
