- Physical Examination
- Surgical Examination
- Ophthalmology
- Clinical Skills
- Orthopedics
- Surgery Videos
- Laparoscopy
- Pediatrics
- Funny Videos
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Nursing Videos
- Plastic Surgery
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Histology and Histopathology
- Neurosurgery
- Dermatology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Urology
- Dentistry
- Oncology and Cancers
- Anatomy Videos
- Health and Fitness
- Radiology
- Anaesthesia
- Physical Therapy
- Pharmacology
- Interventional Radiology
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Gynecology
- Emergency Medicine
- Psychiatry and Psychology
- Childbirth Videos
- General Medical Videos
- Nephrology
- Physiology
- Diet and Food Health
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Neurology
- Women Health
- Osteoporosis
- Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
- Hematology
- Rheumatology
- Toxicology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Disease
- Reproductive Health
- Burns and Wound Healing
- Kidney Zone Podcast
- Other
Thyroidectomy (thyroid removal)
Category: General & Abdominal Surgery · All general & abdominal surgery
What it is
A thyroidectomy removes part (lobectomy) or all (total thyroidectomy) of the thyroid gland in the front of the neck, through a cut in a natural skin crease.
Why it is done
It is used for thyroid cancer, large or compressive goitres, some overactive thyroid conditions not controlled otherwise, and thyroid nodules that are suspicious or causing symptoms.
How to prepare
You will have blood tests, thyroid function checks, sometimes a scan and voice assessment. Calcium and vitamin D advice may be given for total thyroidectomy. Fast before surgery and review medicines, especially blood thinners.
What happens during the procedure
Under general anaesthetic, the surgeon removes the thyroid tissue while carefully protecting the nearby parathyroid glands (which control calcium) and the nerves to the voice box, which are sometimes monitored electronically. Surgery takes about one to two hours.
Afterwards — recovery & results
Most people stay one night (sometimes two after total removal) with blood calcium checks. The neck wound usually heals with a fine scar. After total thyroidectomy you will take thyroid hormone tablets long-term with blood test monitoring. Voice tiredness early on is common.
Risks & considerations
Risks include bleeding in the neck (which can press on the airway and needs urgent care), low calcium from disturbed parathyroids (usually temporary, sometimes permanent), and voice change from irritation or injury of the voice-box nerve. Your surgeon will discuss rates in their practice.
Watch: Thyroidectomy (thyroid removal) videos
Real procedure videos from the MedicalVideos.com library. Some clinical footage is graphic — that is the nature of a medical video library.
Related guides on MedicalVideos.com
Frequently asked questions
Will my voice be normal?
Most people notice some early voice tiredness or huskiness that settles over weeks. Permanent significant voice change from nerve injury is uncommon.
Why calcium checks after surgery?
The tiny parathyroid glands sit behind the thyroid and can be temporarily stunned by surgery, lowering blood calcium. Tingling around the mouth or in fingers can be a sign, so levels are monitored and supplements given if needed.
Related procedures — General & Abdominal Surgery
Browse the T section of the A–Z list or return to the Procedures & Tests hub.