Thyroidectomy Surgery: What You Need to Know
A thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. The thyroid plays a vital role in regulating your body’s metabolism through hormone production. This surgery may be recommended to treat thyroid disorders such as thyroid cancer, goiters, hyperthyroidism, or suspicious thyroid nodules.
Types of Thyroidectomy
Total Thyroidectomy
Complete removal of the thyroid gland.
Partial (Lobectomy)
Removal of one lobe or a portion of the thyroid gland.
Subtotal Thyroidectomy
Most of the thyroid is removed, leaving a small portion intact.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a thyroid condition and are exploring treatment options, our experienced surgical team is here to help.
A thyroidectomy may be necessary for:
- Thyroid cancer – To remove malignant tissue and prevent spread.
- Enlarged goiter – Especially if it causes breathing or swallowing issues.
- Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) – When other treatments are ineffective.
- Suspicious nodules – When biopsy results are unclear or indicate cancer risk.
The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and may take 1–2 hours. Most patients go home the same day or after a short hospital stay. Recovery time varies, but many people return to normal activities within a week.
Depending on how much of the thyroid is removed, you may need lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy to maintain normal hormone levels. Follow-up appointments and lab work help ensure your body is adjusting well post-surgery.
Like any surgery, thyroidectomy carries some risks, including:
- Bleeding or infection
- Hoarseness or voice changes
- Low calcium levels (hypocalcemia)
- Scar formation
These risks are minimized when the procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon.