Overview
Thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the front of the neck that produces hormones essential for regulating metabolism, heart rate, and energy levels. The procedure is indicated for conditions including thyroid cancer, benign thyroid nodules causing compressive symptoms, hyperthyroidism unresponsive to medical management, and large goitres. Depending on the indication, the procedure may involve removal of the entire gland (total thyroidectomy), half of the gland (hemithyroidectomy), or a subtotal portion. The type of surgery is carefully determined based on the underlying diagnosis, tumour characteristics, and the patient’s overall health.
The Procedure
At ILS Hospitals, thyroidectomy is performed under general anaesthesia by our experienced endocrine surgical team. A small, precise incision is made in the skin crease of the lower neck, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing scar. The thyroid gland is carefully dissected and removed while meticulously protecting the recurrent laryngeal nerves, which control the vocal cords, and the parathyroid glands, which regulate calcium metabolism. Intraoperative nerve monitoring may be used to ensure nerve preservation. The procedure typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours. A surgical drain may be placed and is usually removed within 24 hours. All thyroid tissue is submitted for histopathological analysis.
Recovery
Patients are typically hospitalised for 1 to 2 days following thyroidectomy. Post-operative monitoring includes assessment of calcium levels and vocal cord function. Patients who undergo total thyroidectomy require lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy with levothyroxine. Those with thyroid cancer may also require radioactive iodine therapy as part of their adjuvant treatment. The neck incision heals well and becomes barely visible over time. At ILS Hospitals, our endocrine surgery team provides comprehensive pre- and post-operative care, including detailed patient education regarding medication, monitoring, and long-term follow-up, ensuring the best possible surgical and functional outcomes.
