Thyroidectomy

A thyroidectomy is an operation that involves the surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. In general surgery, endocrine or head and neck surgeons often perform a thyroidectomy when a patient has thyroid cancer or some other condition of the thyroid gland, such as hyperthyroidism or goiter. Less common indications for surgery include cosmetic concerns or airway obstruction related to significant enlargement of the thyroid. Post-operative complications or sequelae may involve temporary or permanent change in voice, temporary or permanent hypocalcemia, the need for lifelong thyroid hormone replacement, bleeding, infection, and the remote possibility of airway obstruction due to bilateral vocal cord paralysis.

The thyroid produces several hormones, such as thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin. After the removal of a thyroid, patients usually take a prescribed oral synthetic thyroid hormone—levothyroxine (Synthroid)—to prevent hypothyroidism, the deficiency of these hormones.