Endocrine
Thyroid surgery
Removal of part or all of the thyroid gland. It is considered when a biopsy shows or suspects cancer, when a nodule or goitre causes pressure symptoms, or when a diagnosis cannot be established any other way.
Who it is for
- A nodule where biopsy shows or suspects cancer
- A goitre large enough to cause difficulty swallowing or a sensation of tightness
- A nodule overproducing thyroid hormone where other treatments are unsuitable
What to expect
The incision is placed at the front of the neck, positioned within a natural skin crease where possible.
Two structures require particular care: the nerves supplying the voice box, and the parathyroid glands, which control calcium.
Your surgeon should discuss the specific risks with you directly before you consent.
Recovery
If the whole thyroid is removed, lifelong thyroid hormone replacement is required, taken as one daily tablet. If only part is removed, the remainder often produces enough on its own, though this is monitored.
Risks and possible complications
Every operation carries risk, and the list below is general rather than complete. Which of these matter for you depends on your health, your anatomy and what is being treated, which is what the consent conversation before surgery is for.
- Hoarseness or a weak voice from bruising or injury to the nerves supplying the voice box, usually temporary, occasionally permanent
- A low blood calcium level after surgery, needing supplements temporarily or, less often, long term
- Bleeding in the neck, which is rare but needs immediate attention when it happens
- Lifelong thyroid hormone replacement where the whole gland is removed
- A scar across the lower neck
No surgeon can promise a particular result, and nothing on this page should be read as one.
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