Published with the inputs from Dr Shikhil P, Endocrine Surgeon, Baby Memorial Hospitals - Kozhikode
Thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck that regulates metabolism through thyroid hormone production. The surgery is performed to treat thyroid nodules, goiter, hyperthyroidism, or thyroid cancer, and is among the safest and most effective endocrine surgeries when performed by experienced specialists.
A thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part (hemithyroidectomy/lobectomy) or entire gland (total thyroidectomy). The extent of removal depends on the patient’s condition, diagnosis, and overall health..
Your doctor may recommend thyroidectomy if you have:
Yes. Thyroidectomy is a safe and routine procedure when performed by experienced specialist Surgeons.
Modern surgical advances have made the operation more precise and safer than ever before. Key safety measures include:
Intra-operative Nerve Monitoring (IONM): Used to identify and preserve the recurrent laryngeal nerve that controls the voice, minimizing the risk of hoarseness.
Preservation of Parathyroid Glands: Careful identification and preservation of parathyroid glands prevent post-operative hypocalcemia.
Parathyroid Auto-transplantation: If a parathyroid gland is inadvertently devascularized, it is transplanted into a nearby muscle (usually the sternocleidomastoid) to maintain calcium balance.
Use of Magnification and Energy Devices: Enhances precision, reduces blood loss, and improves visualization of critical structures.
In select cases, endoscopic or robotic-assisted thyroidectomy may be offered for better precision and aesthetics.
Though rare, possible risks include:
These risks are minimized with expert surgical care and monitoring.
Most patients experience an excellent recovery with minimal discomfort.
If the entire thyroid gland is removed, lifelong thyroid hormone replacement is necessary to maintain normal metabolism. If only part of the gland is removed, your doctor will monitor thyroid levels and decide if medication is needed.
If you are experiencing thyroid nodules, swelling, or hormonal imbalance, the Endocrine & Head-Neck Surgery Team at Baby Memorial Hospital (BMH) offers safe, precise, and advanced thyroidectomy procedures — including minimally invasive and robotic-assisted approaches for faster recovery and superior outcomes.
👉 Book an Appointment Online or visit BMH to consult our thyroid surgery specialists.