DOWNLOAD
Thyroid surgery
Thyroidectomy
A thyroidectomy is usually performed for thyroid cancer, restriction caused by an enlarged gland pressing on the windpipe, oesophagus or nerves. Surgery is also performed when a patient has a suspicious nodule or an uncontrollable overactive thyroid gland.
This surgery is done by an endocrine surgeon and you are usually in hospital for two days. You will have a small scar In the lower part of the centre of your neck just above the sternum or breastbone.
After surgery you will usually be prescribed replacement thyroid hormone, thyroxine. In some cases where only a single lobe is removed you may not need to take thyroxine.