Thyroid surgery is used to remove part of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland exists as a small butterfly-shaped structure which people have in their neck area. The human body needs this organ because it controls body temperature, metabolic processes and produces hormones. The surgeons recommend this surgery, when a patient is experiencing critical thyroid conditions like thyroid cancer, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules. This surgery is performed when all other treatment options which include medications and iodine therapy have failed.

Types of Thyroid Surgery

The type of thyroid surgery depends on various factors, includes patient’s health conditions and the size of thyroid gland.

Thyroidectomy: Thyroidectomy is a common medical procedure for the removal of the thyroid gland. Removal of the entire gland, part of gland, or one lobe, depending on the disease. This surgery takes 2-3 hours which depends on the complexity of case.
Lobectomy: This medical procedure is used to remove the one side of thyroid gland. Doctors recommend lobectomy when a thyroid nodule is found in the one lobe.
Total Thyroidectomy: Total thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure in which the entire thyroid gland is removed. The doctors recommend this surgery in the case of:
- Thyroid Cancer
- Large Multinodular Goiters
- Hyperthyroidism

Note: The total thyroidectomy affects the hormone; the patient has to take hormone replacement medication or treatment to maintain normal metabolism.

Who Needs Thyroid Surgery?

This surgery is suggested for patients who have critical thyroid conditions that cannot be treated with medication or non-surgical therapies. Doctors may recommend this treatment in the following conditions:

Thyroid Cancer
Large thyroid nodules
Hyperthyroidism
Problem breathing or swallowing (symptoms of goiter)

The decision for surgery is based on diagnostic tests like ultrasound, biopsy results, hormone levels, and the patient's overall health condition.

Symptoms for Thyroid Surgery

Common symptoms that may require thyroid treatment include:

You may experience a lump or swelling in the neck.
An individual faces problems in breathing and swallowing.
You may face irregular heartbeats and weight loss problems.
The patient may experience excessive sweating and anxiety.
Other signs like voice changes, fatigue, and muscle weakness

Causes of Thyroid Disorders Requiring Surgery

Thyroid Cancer: Thyroid cancer is one of the common causes for this surgery. It happens due to cancerous growth in thyroid gland.
Large Goiter: It may cause difficulties in breathing or swallowing and also large thyroid gland may compress nearby organs.
Thyroid Nodules: Sometimes, large thyroid nodules might be the reason of cancer.
Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid): Hyperthyroidism is overactive thyroid condition caused by excessive hormone production.

Thyroid Surgery Procedure

It is a medical procedure which perform under anesthesia by an ENT specialists.

Before Surgery

Before going to the surgery, doctors performs some diagnostic tests like physical examination, blood tests, thyroid function tests, and CT-Scan. These tests determine the health condition of a patient. According to the doctor’s advice, the patient should not eat or drink for 6-8 hours before the procedure.

During Surgery

During this surgery, the patient is placed under general anesthesia. After that, surgeon makes a small incision in the lower part of neck. Then, doctor performs the surgery as per the pateint’s health condition. Once the necessary thyroid tissue is removed, the incision is closed with sutures.

After Surgery

After the surgery, patient should to stay in the hospital as per the doctor’s guidelines. Generally, patients stay in the hospital for 1–2 days and return to normal activities within a few weeks. The patient has to visit to the clinic or hospital for regular check ups and proper healing. In any surgical procedures, they carry some complications and side effects, including voice changes, swelling, infection or bleeding. So, don’t panic most side effects are temporary and they resolve with proper medication.

Why International Patients Choose India for Thyroid Surgery?

Highly Experienced Surgeons: India has one of the best ENT specialists who have experience in endocrine surgery.
Affordable Cost: The cost of thyroid surgery in India is very low compared to the Western or other countries.
Short waiting Time: India has one of the best medical tourism companies which schedules your surgery without long waiting periods.
Success Rate: The Indian hospitals have high success rate in thyroid treatment (depends on the surgery type or case).
Advanced Technology: Thousands of international patients travel to India annually for thyroid surgery because of expert care at competitive pricing.