Thyrodectomy is the surgical removal of the thyroid gland. Removal of the entire thyroid gland is called total thyroidectomy, and removal of part of it is called partial thyroidectomy.

Thyroidectomy

Thyrodectomy is the surgical removal of the thyroid gland. Removal of the entire thyroid gland is called total thyroidectomy, and removal of part of it is called partial thyroidectomy. Thyroidectomy is usually performed in cases where the thyroid gland puts pressure on the surrounding tissues, the thyroid hormone level becomes difficult to control as a result of excessive growth, there are diseases that do not respond to treatment, there are risks of malignancy arising from growth, or the thyroid gland, which has already developed tumor tissue, needs to be removed. Thyroidectomy is mostly performed by open surgical methods.

The thyroid gland is our largest endocrine organ, where thyroid hormones are secreted. Thyroid hormones are hormones that have extremely complex functions in our body. Behind the thyroid gland are four parathyroid glands attached to it. Parathyroid glands also secrete parathyroid hormone.



The thyroid gland is in a critical area due to its location. It is surrounded by dozens of muscles, main vessels and nerves, esophagus and trachea. The presence of damage to the head and lungs also increases this sensitivity. There are dense blood circulation and lymphatic networks around it. The thyroid gland itself also has a very dense network of blood circulation.

In which cases is thyroidectomy performed?

In summary, thyroidectomy can be performed when the following conditions are met:

  • Thyroid nodules
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Goiter and Graves’ disease
  • Differentiated (papillary or follicular) thyroid cancer
  • Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC)
  • Anaplastic thyroid cancer
  • Primary thyroid lymphoma
  • All benign and malignant tumors of the thyroid
  • Toxic adenomas
  • To obtain a tissue biopsy
  • When metastases to the thyroid from extrathyroidal primary cancer (most commonly renal cell and lung cancer)

Partial thyroidectomy may also be recommended for some thyroid nodules and cancers. The rationale for thyroidectomy is determined by the patient’s clinic, thyroid hormone profile, symptoms, imaging methods, and other appropriate investigations.

In some cases, thyroidectomy may not be performed. For example, in some cases of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, there may be periods when thyroidectomy cannot be performed. In addition, thyroidectomy may not be performed if the patient has massive goiter or extensive substernal goiter, which has problems in hemostasis balance. Sometimes, thyroidectomy may not be performed if the patient has locally advanced carcinoma, Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease with hemostasis imbalance.



Before thyroidectomy, the structure and surroundings of the thyroid are examined with thyroid ultrasonography. In some cases, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging may be used to examine the surrounding tissues. PET imaging can also be performed in some thyroid cancers. Chest computed tomography may be required for evaluation of chest compression or intervention. At the same time, the patient’s thyroid hormone profile and thyroid antibodies can be examined. Genetic testing may also be necessary in some patients.

Possible complications of thyroidectomy:

  • Bleeding (severe bleeding can cause airway compression and can be life-threatening)
  • Hypoparathyroidism
  • Injury of the laryngeal nerve (causes hoarseness, may be permanent in <1% of cases)
  • Postoperative infection (6%)
  • Esophageal injury
  • Tracheal injury
  • Horner’s syndrome
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Chyle leak



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