Thyroidectomy

Thyroid surgery, or thyroidectomy, is a type of surgery in which part or all of the thyroid gland is removed from the body. This procedure is usually performed when there are thyroid diseases such as thyroid cancer, goiter, hyperthyroidism, or thyroid nodules that are causing problematic symptoms. In a partial thyroidectomy, only part of the thyroid gland is removed. This procedure is also known by other names: Lobectomy: Removal of one lobe (part) of the two lobes of the thyroid, Isthmectomy: Partial thyroidectomy involves removal of the isthmus, which is located between the two lobes of the thyroid gland. This type of procedure may be chosen when a specific disease affects only one lobe of the thyroid gland. Total thyroidectomy: In a total thyroidectomy, the entire thyroid gland is removed. This procedure is usually done when cancer is present or there is a possibility that it could spread to both lobes of the thyroid gland or the entire gland.