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Thyroid surgery should always be performed by an experienced surgeon. It is used for several disorders of the thyroid gland.

Uses

  • To treat thyroid overactivity
  • To remove or investigate nodules (lumps) or goitres (swellings)
  • For thyroid cancer
  • For recurring thyroid cyst

Types of surgery

  • Total thyroidectomy (removing all of the thyroid gland)
  • Lobectomy or hemithyroidectomy (removing half the thyroid gland)
  • Subtotal thyroidectomy (removing most of the thyroid gland but leaving some tissue in place)

The operation

  • Pre-operative assessments include thyroid, calcium and other blood tests, and an electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • You will have a general anaesthetic
  • A small incision is made in the crease of your neck
  • The incision may be held together with clips, stitches, steristrips or glue for a few days
  • Small drainage tubes may be placed in the neck for a few days
  • You can expect to stay in hospital one to four days

After the operation

  • You will be given a follow-up appointment
  • You will have a blood test within six to eight weeks
  • Your scar should become barely noticeable within six months
  • You may develop hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and will need to take levothyroxine tablets

Are there any possible complications?

  • A hoarse voice caused by damage to the vocal cords
  • Low calcium levels caused by damage to the parathyroid glands
  • Most complications are temporary
  • If permanent you can expect to have extra treatment to help correct the problem
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British Thyroid Association - medical professionals encouraging the highest standards in patient care and research.

British Association of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons - the representative body of British Surgeons who have a specialist interest in surgery of the endocrine glands (thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal)