Thyroid Surgery

Thyroid surgery is a common treatment for various glandular conditions. While medication is the first line of defence for many, surgery is necessary when goitres cause pressure, nodules appear suspicious, or hormone levels remain uncontrolled. It is also the standard treatment for confirmed or suspected thyroid cancer. Doctors base the decision to operate on a combination of blood results, imaging, and biopsies.  When performed by experts, it is a safe procedure that significantly enhances patient well-being.

Thyroid surgery is the removal of part or all of the thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism and temperature. The patient's specific diagnosis determines the extent and type of the surgery:

• Partial thyroidectomy or lobectomy
• Near-total thyroidectomy
• Total thyroidectomy

The surgeon selects the appropriate method based on nodule size, hormone activity, and cancer risk. The operation is performed under general anaesthesia. High precision is required during the procedure to protect the surrounding parathyroid glands and the nerves that control the vocal cords.

Thyroid surgery is suggested if medications don't work or if there's a risk of serious health issues. It is not a first-choice treatment and is only done when clearly needed.

Surgery may be suggested for:

• Thyroid lumps that are large or look unusual on tests
• If there is a concern about thyroid cancer
• Overactive glands that aren't settling with medicine
• A large swelling that makes breathing or swallowing uncomfortable
• Lumps that affect your voice or cause pain
• Neck swelling that you find upsetting to look at

In these cases, surgery can bring you peace of mind and long-term relief from your symptoms.

Thyroid surgery is safe, but may be delayed for patients with:

• Severe heart or lung disease
• Systemic instability
• Untreated bleeding disorders
• Anaesthetic unfitness

In such cases, doctors prioritise medical stabilisation or non-surgical alternatives until risk is reduced.

At Gleneagles Hospitals, surgery is carried out by expert neck surgeons and a dedicated nursing team in a modern theatre. Your doctor will explain the surgical intent, the procedure type, and what to expect during your recovery.

This is your time to ask questions and feel ready for the procedure. Your medical records, tests, and scans are all checked beforehand. Usually, you will be told to:

• Stop eating and drinking a few hours before the operation
• Tell the team if you take blood thinners or long-term pills
• Take your thyroid medicine exactly as directed

You will be asleep under general anaesthesia. A small incision is made in your neck to remove the thyroid. The surgeons are very careful with the nerves that help you talk and the glands for your calcium. The surgery usually takes one to three hours. Your vitals are regularly monitored to keep you safe. The time it takes depends on how much of the gland is removed.

Once surgery is over, you’ll head to recovery while the anaesthesia wears off. Any site discomfort is usually mild and handled with pain relief.

Expect the following:

• A bit of neck stiffness
• A husky or hoarse voice (temporary)
• A scratchy sore throat
• Some bruising or swelling

You’ll start with sips of water and light snacks. Most patients head home in a day or two. If your whole thyroid was removed, you’ll need a daily hormone pill for life. We’ll give you a complete plan for your meds and future blood tests to keep you on track.

All surgeries carry some risk, but be assured that serious problems are rare when a specialist performs your operation.

Possible risks include:

• A hoarse or weak voice for a short time
• Tingling or low calcium if the small nearby glands are affected
• A small amount of bleeding or a wound infection
• A thin scar on the front of your neck

At Gleneagles Hospitals, our nurses and doctors watch you very closely to handle any issues straight away.

Thyroid surgery is performed to provide clarity, relief, or cure in conditions that cannot be managed conservatively. The benefits may include:

• Removal of cancerous or suspicious thyroid tissue
• Relief from compressive symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Long-term control of hormone imbalance
• Reduced need for repeated investigations or medications
• Improved quality of life

In many cases, surgery allows patients to return to normal activities with appropriate medical follow-up.

Thyroid surgery at Gleneagles Hospitals is part of a broader endocrine care service. The surgical team consists of doctors with experience in thyroid and neck procedures. We offer:

• Safe, modern operating rooms with the latest equipment
• A friendly team of doctors, nurses, and anaesthetists working together
• All your tests and scans are done in one place for your convenience
• Attentive care and check-ups after your operation

From your first chat with us to your final recovery, we guide you through every step.

Surgery is considered for thyroid problems that don't get better with medicine or when cancer is a worry. By removing the thyroid, we can help you feel like yourself again and prevent future problems. For most people, this surgery is very safe. At Gleneagles Hospitals, we take the time to understand your needs before we operate, making sure your safety and long-term well-being come first.