Indicated for thyroid swellings (goitre), nodules suspicious on FNAC, thyroid cancer and toxic goitre not controlled by medicines. Careful technique protects the voice nerves and the parathyroid glands.
Head & Neck Surgery
Thyroidectomy
Surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland.
About Thyroidectomy
AnaesthesiaGeneral
Duration1.5 – 3 hours
Hospital stay1 – 3 nights
Back to routine2 – 3 weeks
When is it recommended?
- Neck swelling that moves on swallowing
- Suspicious thyroid nodule
- Pressure symptoms
- Thyroid cancer
How the procedure is done
- 1
Evaluation
Thyroid function tests, ultrasound and FNAC (needle test) of the swelling; voice-box check before surgery.
- 2
Neck incision
A small incision is placed in a natural skin crease of the lower neck for a neat scar.
- 3
Careful removal
Part (hemithyroidectomy) or all of the thyroid is removed, protecting the voice nerves and parathyroid glands.
- 4
Monitoring
Calcium levels and voice are checked after surgery; thyroid tablets are started if needed.
Benefits
Removes the swelling and pressure symptoms
Definitive treatment for suspicious nodules
Controls overactive thyroid not settled with medicines
Neat scar in a skin crease
Recovery & aftercare
Mild neck discomfort and voice tiredness are common for a short time. Most people return to desk work in about 2 weeks. If the whole thyroid is removed, a daily thyroid tablet is needed for life.
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
After total thyroidectomy, yes — a daily thyroid hormone tablet. After half-thyroid removal, many people do not need tablets.
The incision is placed in a natural neck crease and usually fades well over a few months.
This page is for general patient information and does not replace a medical consultation. The right treatment depends on your examination and test results.
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