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The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck. It produces hormones that regulate your body temperature and metabolism (the process by which energy is produced in your cells). It is also important in controlling heart, muscle and digestive function, brain development and bone maintenance.
What does thyroid surgery involve?
Thyroid surgery, or a thyroidectomy, is an operation to remove all or part of your thyroid.
How much of your thyroid is removed depends on your reason for having the surgery. If only a part of your thyroid is removed (partial thyroidectomy), your thyroid may continue to work normally after your surgery. If your entire thyroid is removed (total thyroidectomy), you will need to take medication to replace the hormones normally produced by your thyroid.
Call or book online today to arrange a consultation to discuss private thyroid surgery with a consultant of your choice at Circle Health Group.
This page explains what thyroid surgery is, what happens during the different types of thyroid surgery, and what to expect during your recovery.
Your consultant may recommend thyroid surgery if you have been diagnosed with a condition such as thyroid cancer, an overactive thyroid, an enlarged thyroid, or if there are suspicious nodules on your thyroid.
Thyroid cancer
Thyroid cancer is a condition where abnormal cells grow in the thyroid gland. If left untreated, these cells can spread (metastasise) to other parts of the body. Thyroid cancer is relatively rare in the UK and is usually treatable. Treatment for thyroid cancer normally involves removing most or all of your thyroid.
Noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid (goitre)
A goitre is a swelling of your thyroid gland. They are normally painless, but if they become large, they can make breathing or swallowing difficult. Other symptoms may include a cough that doesn’t go away, changes to your voice, and a feeling that something is stuck in your throat. A goitre may be caused by having an overactive or underactive thyroid, nodules on your thyroid, hormonal changes, or a medical condition like Grave’s disease. Your consultant may recommend removing all, or part of your thyroid gland if your goitre is causing you problems or is causing your thyroid to become overactive.
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
This is a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine, leading to excessive amounts of thyroxine in the body (thyrotoxicosis).
The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is an autoimmune disorder called Grave’s disease, but it can also be caused by damage to the thyroid due to inflammation, infection, or some medications.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, tremors, sweatiness, being unable to cope with heat, difficulty sleeping and eye problems.
Hyperthyroidism can sometimes be treated with medication or radioiodine treatment, but if these treatments haven’t worked, a thyroidectomy may be recommended.
Suspicious thyroid nodules
Nodules (lumps) on your thyroid are usually harmless, but in some cases they may be cancerous or lead to cancer. A fine needle biopsy is a technique where a small sample of tissue is taken and sent to a laboratory to be checked for abnormal cells. If the biopsy results are unclear, or there is a chance that the cells may become cancerous, your consultant may recommend removing them with thyroid surgery.
At your first consultation, you will be seen by a consultant endocrine surgeon, a specialist doctor that performs operations involving the endocrine system.
Your consultant will ask you about your symptoms and perform a physical examination. They may ask to see the results of any previous tests or scans or arrange for you to have them on the day.
Why is this first consultation so important?
At Circle Health Group, your first appointment is very important, as it’s where you meet your consultant, the doctor, who will be responsible for your care. Your consultant will explain the surgery to you, including how to prepare for your procedure, what will happen during your surgery and what to expect afterwards.
Your first consultation is also for you to ask your consultant any questions you may have about your thyroid surgery. Being as well-informed and comfortable as possible about your surgery is important as it helps to put your mind at rest and ensures you are well prepared for your surgery and recovery. It may help to write some questions down before your appointment.
Your consultant will tell you everything you need to do to prepare for your surgery. If there’s anything you’re not sure about, or if you have any questions about how to prepare for your thyroid surgery, speak to your consultant or call the hospital for advice. Being well-prepared for your surgery will help to ease any anxiety you may have, as well as allowing your surgery and recovery to go more smoothly.
Before your surgery, tell your consultant about any medical conditions or allergies you have and any medication, including over-the-counter medicines you are taking.
Your consultant may tell you to stop taking some medications like blood thinners before your operation. This is to reduce the risk of bleeding during and after your surgery.
You will not be able to eat or drink anything from midnight on the day of your operation.
What lifestyle changes can I make before my surgery?
Being in good health before your surgery can reduce the risk of complications and speed up your recovery.
Some things you can do to make sure you are as healthy as possible in the weeks before your surgery include:
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
- If you smoke, try to stop at least eight weeks before your surgery
- Avoid alcohol for a few days before and after your surgery. Alcohol thins the blood and can increase the risk of bleeding
- Take regular exercise
There are 4 main types of thyroid surgery. The type you will have depends on the reason for having the surgery.
Thyroidectomy for goitre
Sometimes, a goitre doesn’t cause any problems and can be left alone, but if you are having trouble breathing or swallowing, your consultant may recommend surgery to remove all or part of your thyroid.
What are the benefits of surgery?
Removing your thyroid gland will prevent or cure breathing or swallowing difficulties. It will also improve the appearance of your neck.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
Sometimes, a goitre can be treated with medication such as thyroxine tablets. If it’s not bothering you, you can also decide not to have your goitre treated.
What does the operation involve?
The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic, and on average, it takes between 90 minutes to 2 hours. Your surgeon will begin by making a cut on your neck in the line of one of your skin creases, and then remove most, or all, of the thyroid gland.
What complications can happen?
Like all surgical procedures, there are some complications that can be serious and can even cause death. Please bear in mind the general and specific complications regarding this type of operation.
General complications of any operation include:
- Pain
- Infection of the surgical site (wound)
- Unsightly scarring of your skin
- Blood clot in your leg
- Blood clot in your lung
Specific complications of this operation include:
- Bleeding
- Change in your voice
- Drop in calcium levels in your blood
- Thyroid hormone levels in your blood will drop
- Breathing difficulties
How soon will I recover?
Recovery from surgery is different for everyone and depends on factors such as your age, general health, and how well your surgery goes.
You should be able to go home from the hospital after 1 or 2 days.
You will probably need to take around 2 weeks off work after your surgery, but this can vary depending on the type of surgery you had and what job you do.
Most people can resume normal activities after around 2 weeks.
Regular exercise can help speed up your return to normal activities. Check with your consultant or healthcare team before you start exercising.
You will usually have a follow up appointment to check your results and discuss any other treatment around 4 weeks after your procedure.
Thyroidectomy for nodules
Lumps or nodules on your thyroid gland may need to be removed if there is a possibility that they are cancerous or may become cancerous.
What are the benefits of surgery?
Any suspicious lumps can be removed and sent to the laboratory to check for abnormalities. Surgery will also remove any unsightly lumps from your neck and improve any discomfort caused by the swelling.
Surgery is the recommended treatment to remove any suspicious nodules that are or may become cancerous.
What does the operation involve?
The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes about an hour. Your consultant will make a cut on your neck in the line of one of your skin creases, and remove part, or all, of your thyroid gland.
What complications can happen?
Like all surgical procedures, there are some risks to consider when having thyroid surgery. Some of these can be serious and can even cause death. However, you can speak to your doctor about the following general and specific complications that may worry you.
General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Infection of the surgical site (wound)
- Unsightly scarring of your skin
- Blood clot in your leg
- Blood clot in your lung
Specific complications of this operation
- Bleeding
- Change in your voice
- Drop in calcium levels in your blood
- Thyroid hormone levels in your blood may drop
- Breathing difficulties
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home after 1 to 2 days and return to work and normal activities after about 2 weeks. This will depend on the type of surgery you have had and the job you do.
Regular exercise should help you return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask your healthcare team or GP for advice.
You will have a follow up appointment to check your recovery and discuss any further treatment in around 4 weeks.
Total thyroidectomy
A total thyroidectomy is the removal of the entire thyroid gland. It may be performed to treat thyroid cancer, hyperthyroidism that hasn’t responded to other treatments or a goitre that is causing severe problems.
After a total thyroidectomy, your body will stop producing thyroid hormones and you will need to take medication to replace them.
What are the benefits of surgery?
Removing your entire thyroid gland will stop any unpleasant symptoms relating to your thyroid. In the case of thyroid cancer, surgery aims to remove any cancer cells and prevent the disease from spreading.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
For hyperthyroidism, medications, such as carbimazole are usually tried first. Radioactive iodine can also be used for some people.
In some cases, it may be possible to remove only part of your thyroid gland so that you continue to produce hormones and may not need to take medication. However, your thyroid gland may become overactive or underactive in the future, and you may need further treatment.
For thyroid cancer, surgery is normally the best option. You may also need other treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or medication.
What does the procedure involve?
The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes 90 minutes to 2 hours. Your surgeon will make a cut on your neck in the line of one of your skin creases and remove your thyroid gland.
What complications can happen?
Like all surgical procedures, there are some risks to consider when deciding to have thyroid surgery. Some complications can be serious and can even cause death. However, you can speak to your doctor about the following general and specific complications that may worry you.
General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Infection of the surgical site (wound)
- Unsightly scarring of your skin
- Blood clot in your leg
- Blood clot in your lung
Specific complications of this operation
- Bleeding
- Change in your voice
- Breathing difficulties
- Thyroid hormone levels in your blood will drop
- Drop in calcium levels in your blood
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home after 1 to 2 days and will be able to return to work and normal activities after about 2 weeks, depending on how much surgery you need and your type of work. Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask your healthcare team or your GP for advice.
Your healthcare team will usually arrange for you to come back to the clinic within 4 weeks. At this follow up appointment, your consultant will tell you any results and discuss any further treatment or follow-ups you need.
Minimal access thyroid surgery
Minimal access thyroid surgery is a technique where the procedure is performed through a much smaller incision (cut). Surgery is performed through a 2cm neck incision, as opposed to the standard 5-10cm incision used in other types of thyroid surgery.
How does minimal access thyroid surgery work?
The operation is no different from any other form of thyroid surgery apart from the significantly reduced incision size. Minimal access thyroid surgery normally takes about 2-3hrs.
What are the benefits?
Minimal access thyroid surgery causes less damage to the surrounding tissues and therefore less postoperative pain. It also provides excellent cosmetic results, with a scar that essentially “disappears” within 12 months of surgery.
How safe is the treatment?
The treatment is safe, with very minimal complication rates post-thyroidectomy.
At Circle Health Group, we have the experience and expertise to ensure the best possible care and outcome for our patients. As a patient with Circle Health Group, you can expect the highest standards of care, including:
- Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you
- The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
- Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
- Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
- Private ensuite rooms as standard
- A range of delicious healthy meals
- Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
- Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care
If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about thyroid surgery, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.
Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in January 2024. Next review due January 2027.
- Thyroidectomy Cleveland Clinic
- Thyroid Surgery American Thyroid Association
- Thyroid Surgery British Thyroid Foundation
- Thyroidectomy NIH
