Thyroid surgery.
Thyroid surgery takes out part or all of your thyroid gland. The gland makes hormones that control
how your body makes and uses energy (metabolism). A doctor may take out part or all of the gland
when it gets too big, doesn't work right, or has a growth. Most growths or lumps in this gland are
benign. This means they aren't cancer. This surgery may be needed for problems such as thyroid
nodules, thyroid cancer, and hyperthyroidism.
Why is thyroid surgery performed?
The thyroid gland, located in the neck, produces thyroid hormone, which controls the body’s
metabolism. Thyroid surgery may be performed for different reasons, but the most common is the
growth of tumours or nodules (usually non-cancerous lumps) on the thyroid. Surgery can also
correct hyperthyroidism, a condition in which too much thyroid hormone is produced.
Thyroid surgery may also be performed as a treatment method for goitre, which refers to swelling
or enlargement of the thyroid gland. Goitres can be large enough to block the throat, which affects
the patient’s ability to swallow and breathe, among other things.
What does it involve?
The type of surgery offered will depend on the patient and how suitable they are and there are
various types of procedure and the surgeon will advise which is best. The most common types of
procedure include lobectomy, total thyroidectomy, and subtotal thyroidectomy.

In a lobectomy, one of the two lobes in the thyroid gland is removed. This is performed in
patients where swelling, cancers, or nodules only affect half of the thyroid gland.

In a subtotal thyroidectomy, the thyroid is removed, but a little thyroid tissue is left
behind. This means the function of the thyroid gland remains intact. However, this can
cause hypothyroidism (where not enough thyroid hormone is produced).

In a total thyroidectomy, the entire thyroid gland is removed along with the tissue. This
surgery is usually indicated in cases where nodules or swelling affect the whole thyroid
gland, or in cancer patients.
During surgery, an incision is made in the neck to remove the thyroid gland, or part of it. The
procedure is performed under general anaesthetic, meaning the patient is not conscious throughout.
Thyroid surgery can also be performed as a minimally invasive procedure.
How can you prepare for thyroid surgery?
An initial consultation must be made before the surgery is scheduled, to check if the patient is a
candidate for thyroid surgery. The surgeon will advise any precautions which need to be taken,
and will explain what is safe to take regarding medications, if the patient has any prescribed. Blood
thinners must not be taken for several days before surgery (e.g. ibuprofen, aspirin). The surgeon
can answer questions the patient may have about the procedure during the consultation.
What are the risks of thyroid surgery?
Thyroid surgery is generally a safe surgery. But there is a risk of complications, including;

Hoarseness and change of voice: The nerves that control your voice can be damaged
during thyroid surgery. This is less common if your surgeon has a lot of experience or if
you are having a lobectomy rather than a total thyroidectomy.

Hypoparathyroidism: Hypoparathyroidism can occur if the parathyroid glands are
mistakenly removed or damaged during a total thyroidectomy. This is not as common if
you have a lobectomy.
Post-operative care.
Thyroid surgery is generally successful and complications are infrequent. After the surgery, a few
days off work is expected, and driving should not be considered until the patient can turn their
head from side to side, and is no longer taking medication for pain relief. After the operation,
discomfort is normal, and the patient may feel that they have a sore throat for a few days
afterwards. Patients should expect a scar to form, which over the months following the operation
will gradually fade until it is barely noticeable.