Alternative Names
Total thyroidectomy; Partial thyroidectomy; Thyroidectomy
Definition of Thyroid gland removal:
Thyroid gland removal is surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland.
- Total thyroidectomy removes the entire gland.
- Subtotal or partial thyroidectomy removes part of the thyroid gland.
The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system and plays a major role in regulating the body's metabolism.
Description:
Thyroidectomy is done while you are under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). Sometimes it is done with regional anesthesia (awake, but pain-free). The surgeon makes a cut in the neck and locates the gland. All or part of the thyroid gland, depending on the particular procedure, is removed.
Indications:
Thyroidectomy may be recommended for the following:
The procedure may also be done if a patient with hyperthyroidism does not want to have radioactive iodine treatment and cannot be treated with anti-thyroid medications.
