Thyroidectomy Surgery Overview:
Thyroidectomy is a type of surgery undertaken to extract the thyroid gland; it is often referred to as thyroid removal surgery. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland that is present at the front part of the neck and is responsible for making hormones related to metabolism, heart rate, and rate of burning calories. Surgeons conduct this to cure various illnesses associated with this organ, like cancer, goiter, and hyperthyroidism. The extent of thyroid removal depends on the surgery’s purpose, with subtotal thyroidectomy (partial removal of the thyroid gland) allowing the thyroid to function normally and total thyroidectomy (complete removal of the thyroid gland) requiring daily thyroid hormone treatment to restore its natural function.Â
Surgeons may sometimes perform thyroidectomy for esophagus compression, excess thyroid hormone release, or if the nodule is causing difficulty breathing or swallowing. In general, thyroidectomy involves various approaches, such as traditional open thyroidectomy, MIVAT (minimally invasive technique), robotic thyroidectomy, transoral thyroidectomy, endoscopic thyroidectomy, and radiofrequency ablation (RFA).
Thyroidectomy Types
Thyroidectomy (surgical excision of a thyroid gland) is broadly divided into two categories: complete and partial.
1. Partial thyroidectomy:
- Hemithyroidectomy, or thyroid lobectomy, entails resection of half the thyroid.
- It includes isthmusectomy that cuts out thyroid between two lobes.
- A direct open thyroid biopsy removes a nodule from the thyroid gland.
- Total or near-total thyroidectomy: It involves the surgical removal of all or some of the thyroid tissue.
The type of surgery often depends on the underlying cause for which it is being performed, and deciding on an appropriate operative plan involves collaboration between patient, endocrinologist, and surgeon.
Thyroidectomy Procedure, Recovery, and Post-Procedure Care
Preparation: Specific directions will be issued by the physician before undertaking a thyroid operation. A week or two prior to the procedure, there may be some biopsy examinations, fine needle aspiration for lumps, temporary suspension of anticoagulants, and a few hours of fasting.Â
During the procedure: The anesthesiologist administers general anesthesia, and a breathing tube is placed. Surgeons access the thyroid via standard, video-assisted, or robot-assisted incisions. With stitches or sutures, the incision gets closed after surgery. When removing the complete thyroid, it can take around four hours or less in case of partial removal.
After the procedure: Patients may go home after surgery, but some stay a few days to monitor calcium levels. Post-surgery, light food and drinks are recommended. Throat soreness from the breathing tube is common. The surgeon is expected to remove the drain one or two days after the surgery.
Recovery: Typically, after hemithyroidectomy, patients can be discharged on the same day they undergo surgery, as recovery requires just a few hours of hospital observation. Some may stay overnight and leave the next morning. However, complete recovery typically takes two to three weeks.
Post-procedure care: Post-surgery care for thyroidectomy includes:
• Monitored in the recovery room until anesthesia wears off and vital signs stabilize.
• A possible drain could be placed near the incision site for fluid drainage.
• The doctor prescribes pain medication for post-surgery discomfort.
• Instructions on incision care, including clean and dry maintenance.
• Avoidance of strenuous activity and heavy lifting for healing.
• Scheduled follow-up appointments for recovery monitoring and incision site checks.
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Procedure Name
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        Thyroidectomy Surgery
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Type of Surgery
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   Open, endoscopic or minimally invasive
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Type of Anesthesia
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           General anesthesia
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Procedure Duration
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              1 to 2 hours
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Recovery Duration
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         Few days to few weeks
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Benefits of Thyroidectomy Surgery
- Primary treatment for most thyroid cancers, especially papillary and follicular carcinomas.
- Removing cancerous tissue offers the best chance of cure.
- Reduces the risk of cancer recurrence by removing thyroid gland containing cancerous cells.
- Offers long-term control, eliminating the need for ongoing medication management.Â
