A thyroid lobectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing part of the thyroid. This procedure may help treat thyroid cancer, as well as other thyroid conditions.
Individuals with thyroid cancer may develop tumors in the thyroid gland. A doctor may recommend a thyroid lobectomy to remove these tumors.
Others may develop nodules or goiters within the thyroid. Surgeons can remove these growths during a thyroid lobectomy.
Read on to learn more about the purpose of thyroid lobectomy, when doctors recommend it, what the procedure involves, and more.
The purpose of a thyroid lobectomy is to remove part of the thyroid gland. It
During a thyroid lobectomy, a surgeon may remove cancerous tumors. They may also remove nodules or goiters in the thyroid. This can help decrease any discomfort caused by these growths.
Learn more about types of thyroid surgery.
Doctors may recommend a thyroid lobectomy for individuals with certain thyroid conditions, such as:
- Thyroid cancer: Doctors may recommend this procedure as a treatment for thyroid cancer if
the tumor is small or affects only part of the thyroid. Although some thyroid growths may be a sign of cancer,only 5% of thyroid nodules are cancerous. - Benign growths: In certain cases, doctors may recommend a thyroid lobectomy to remove benign nodules. This can help decrease the risk of these nodules developing into cancer over time.
- Goiters: Goiters can be another type of growth that can affect the thyroid. Even if these growths are not cancerous, they may cause discomfort or pain. Doctors may recommend a thyroid lobectomy to remove goiters if they cause symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or problems with breathing.
- Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, happens when the thyroid gland produces too much of the thyroid hormone. The main treatment is medication, but doctors may recommend surgery if other treatments are not effective or possible.
A person will receive general anesthesia before the procedure.
During the procedure, a surgeon makes an incision, usually in the lower part of the neck. They then remove part of the thyroid.
Afterward, a surgeon then seals the incision, such as with stitches or staples.
In many cases, individuals undergoing a thyroid lobectomy can return home the same day. Thyroid lobectomy is a
Before a thyroid lobectomy, a person will receive information about when they should stop eating and drinking. This will usually be by midnight before the day procedure.
A person’s doctor can also let them know if they need to stop taking any medications beforehand. They may also need to stop taking dietary supplements at least 1 week beforehand.
Following a thyroid lobectomy, a person may need to stay in the hospital for up to 6 hours. However, they will usually be able to go home the same day.
A person will usually need to continue receiving fluids intravenously. They will also receive instructions on incision wound care and dietary changes.
Depending on the individual, recovery from a thyroid lobectomy typically takes weeks. For example, it can take around a few weeks for a person to notice their energy levels returning.
A person may need to avoid physical activity and exercise for around 2 to 4 weeks after the procedure.
After discharge from the hospital, doctors generally advise taking 2 weeks off of work or school.
A person will need to attend follow-up appointments after surgery. Their doctor can help monitor their recovery and advise on when they can resume physical activity.
Thyroid lobectomy is a routine surgery and
However, as with any procedure, there is the possibility of side effects or complications. These include:
- bleeding after the operation
- hematoma
- nerve damage
- hypoparathyroidism
A person should get medical help if they experience any of the following signs of infection:
Is a thyroid lobectomy major surgery?
Although thyroid lobectomy is a routine procedure, it is still a major surgery. This procedure involves the removal of part of the thyroid gland.
What happens when half of your thyroid is removed?
Doctors may remove half of the thyroid when treating thyroid conditions. If the remaining half of the thyroid continues to function properly, it may produce enough thyroid hormone on its own.
In these cases, individuals recovering from surgery may not need to take thyroid hormone pills. Removing half the thyroid may help treat certain conditions while minimizing the risk of long-term complications.
Some people may also need to begin thyroid hormone replacement after a lobectomy.
What is the difference between a hemithyroidectomy and a lobectomy?
A hemithyroidectomy is another term for a thyroid lobectomy. Doctors may also refer to the procedure as a partial thyroidectomy.
What is the life expectancy after thyroid removal?
Life expectancy after thyroid removal depends on the individual and their underlying health condition.
For example, in a 2022 study, researchers examined thyroid removal for noncancerous thyroid disease in people ages 80 years or older. They found that thyroid removal did not affect life expectancy. In fact, the research indicated that the life expectancy for the study group was lower than the general population.
A person can speak with their doctor for more accurate information about their outlook based on their individual circumstances.
Thyroid lobectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing part of the thyroid. Doctors may recommend this procedure for treating thyroid cancer, benign growths, goiters, and hyperthyroidism.
Although thyroid lobectomy is a major surgery, it is generally safe. Recovery will typically take a number of weeks.
If a doctor recommends thyroid lobectomy, they will provide more information about what to expect before, during, and after the surgery.