Overview

Thyroid surgery, also called thyroidectomy, involves the partial or complete removal of the thyroid gland. It is commonly performed to treat conditions such as thyroid cancer, goiter, or hyperthyroidism. The procedure may involve removing one lobe (lobectomy) or the entire gland (total thyroidectomy). It is typically done under general anesthesia, with minimally invasive techniques available in some cases. Post-surgery, patients may require lifelong hormone replacement therapy if the entire gland is removed. Recovery time can vary, but most patients return to normal activities within a few weeks.

Conditions

• Thyroid cancer
• Goiter
• Hyperthyroidism
• Graves' disease
• Thyroid nodules
• Thyroid cysts
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• Recurrent thyroid infections
• Compression symptoms (difficulty swallowing or breathing)
• Suspicious or indeterminate biopsy results

Causes

• Removal of cancerous tissue
• Relief from compression symptoms
• Treatment of hyperthyroidism
• Improved quality of life
• Reduced risk of cancer spread

Treatments

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Vocal cord nerve damage
• Low calcium levels (hypocalcemia)
• Scar formation