thyroid surgery

Thyroid surgery is unique, very safe, and highly effective in the right hands. While many surgeons will perform this type of surgery, multiple studies have established that experienced, high-volume surgeons have fewer complications and better outcomes. Choosing a thyroid surgeon is one of the decisions that will effect outcomes for years into the future. Complications, particularly from less experienced surgeons, can be permanent leaving patients to deal with unnecessary life long challenges. Dr. Forwith subspecializes in these operations, performing hundreds per year that are both safe and effective.

thyroid nodules

Thyroid nodules can be either benign or cancerous. Finding out which one is the case is the first priority when a nodule is discovered. Early stage thyroid cancer has no symptoms so even small nodules need proper evaluation. It’s important to know that not every nodule needs biopsied and most are benign and will never hurt you. Today’s high resolution ultrasounds can be used in the office to determine which nodules need to be biopsied and which ones can be safely monitored. Proper diagnosis can avoid unnecessary surgery and needless worry.

graves disease treatment

Grave’s disease is one of the most difficult thyroid diseases to cope with. People frequently underestimate the toll that an overactive thyroid can take on your life. For roughly 40% of patients, the eyes can undergo changes that can lead to a permanent bulge. For all patients, there is the risk of atrial fibrillation of the heart and premature osteoporosis. Putting up with Grave’s disease is a bad idea for your mental health as well as your physical help. Careful workup and thoughtful treatment can restore normality to life. Long term treatment decisions need to be well informed and the choices made clear and simple. Grave’s is a complex disease and navigating through all the options can be challenging.

thyroid RFA

There is now a safe and effective treatment for benign thyroid nodules that can be done without surgery and in the office. It leaves no scars whatsoever and has fewer risks than surgical removal. Most importantly, the RFA treatment does not damage normal, working thyroid tissue. So, thyroid function is not affected by the treatment! Dr Forwith was among the first ten surgeons to perform RFA in the USA and even teaches the technique to other doctors looking to offer this innovative therapy.

thyroid cancer care

Thyroid cancer is highly treatable and has mostly good outcomes. But, it is by no means a “good cancer” and it can be both debilitating and deadly. It should never be taken lightly and good planning and treatment is very important to good outcomes. While surgery is the primary and best treatment, the decision for how much of the gland needs to be removed is complex. If you are facing this disease, you need expert advice and an honest assessment. Choices you and your surgeon make will effect your life for years to come. Follow up care is also just as important as initial treatment; poor after treatment care can dramatically impact your life.

osteoporosis & osteopenia

Both osteoporosis and osteopenia are abnormal conditions with loss of bone density. The only difference is in degree. But, one of the common causes of both of these is often missed. Delay in recognizing a bad parathyroid gland not only leads to more bone loss, but also delays relief of symptoms that frequently accompany parathyroid problems. Certainly, not all bone loss is from the parathyroids; but, if it is connected then proper parathyroid treatment can both relieve symptoms as well as put you on the path to recovering some or all of the lost bone density. Every patient with bone loss needs their parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels checked, along with vitamin D levels and calcium. The interaction of these can be complex but is understandable for most.

Parathyroid surgery

There is no medicine to counteract a bad parathyroid gland. But, surgery offers a safe and effective way to restore health and normal calcium regulation. The best chance for a successful surgery comes with the first attempt - and choosing the wrong surgeon can lead to multiple surgeries and poor outcomes. Surgeons who specialize in this surgery have fewer complications and better outcomes than surgeons who only do a few of these per year. Choosing the right surgeon is more important with parathyroid surgery than nearly any other type of surgery.

research

The importance of research in advancing the science of medicine has never been more evident. What was best years ago may not be appropriate today. Physicians who don’t keep up frequently offer older, less effective or more invasive treatments. Being involved with research on a wide variety of fronts not only offers cutting edge advancements early, but often at no extra costs to patients. Dr. Forwith has been involved for more than 20 years with research that has led to multiple FDA approved treatment advancements. Many of these have replaced more risky surgeries with in-office alternatives that are safe and highly effective.

nasal and sinus polyps

Several recent developments from our research have changed the way patients with sinus and nasal polyps are managed. No more repeat trips to the operating room! Most polyps can be managed with in-office techniques that are safer and more effective than traditional sinus surgery. Even better - patients can be managed with less loss of smell and taste as well as less annoying post nasal drainage. Some patients can see improvements in asthma or even their eczema by these new sinus treatments.