Thyroidectomy is performed to treat thyroid cancer, large goiters, nodules, or hyperthyroidism.

What is Thyroidectomy?

A thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure in Singapore which all or part of the thyroid gland is removed. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck, which is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and other essential functions. This surgery is often recommended for individuals with conditions such as thyroid cancer, large goiters (enlarged thyroid glands) that cause breathing or swallowing difficulties, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), or benign thyroid nodules that may pose a future risk or cause discomfort.

Thyroidectomy can be classified into several types based on how much of the gland is removed:

Total thyroidectomy: the entire thyroid gland is removed. This procedure is common for treating thyroid cancer or when both sides of the thyroid are affected.

Partial thyroidectomy (thyroid lobectomy): only one lobe or a portion of the thyroid gland is removed. This is typically performed when a nodule or tumour is localised to one side of the gland.
Subtotal or near-total thyroidectomy: during a subtotal or near-total thyroidectomy most of the thyroid is removed, and only a small portion is left to maintain minimal thyroid function.

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and the surgeon makes an incision in the lower front part of the neck. The size of the incision depends on the approach taken, which may range from a traditional open thyroidectomy to more modern techniques such as endoscopic or robotic-assisted thyroidectomy, which can result in smaller scars or even no visible scars if done transorally (through the mouth).

How does Thyroidectomy work?

Thyroidectomy is performed under general anaesthesia, which helps ensure that the patient is unconscious and pain-free throughout the procedure. The surgery begins with the surgeon making an incision, typically at the lower front part of the neck, providing access to the thyroid gland. Depending on the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s technique, the surgery may involve different approaches.

In a conventional thyroidectomy, the thyroid is accessed through a neck incision, while minimally invasive techniques use smaller incisions and a camera to guide the removal. A newer method, transoral thyroidectomy, involves accessing the gland through the mouth, which leaves no visible scar on the neck.

Once the thyroid is exposed, the surgeon carefully removes part or all of the gland based on the diagnosis, and avoids damage to nearby structures like the nerve to the vocal cords and parathyroid glands, which control calcium levels. In cases of thyroid cancer, nearby lymph nodes may also be removed for further evaluation. After the gland is removed, patients are monitored in a recovery area, where they may experience temporary throat soreness or hoarseness due to the breathing tube used during surgery. In some cases, a drain is placed near the incision to prevent fluid buildup.

For patients undergoing a total thyroidectomy, lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy may be required to compensate for the loss of the gland’s hormone production. This therapy involves taking a daily dose of synthetic thyroid hormone to maintain normal metabolic function and prevent hypothyroidism.

What are the benefits of Thyroidectomy in Singapore?

Thyroidectomy offers a range of significant health benefits, especially for individuals dealing with thyroid-related conditions. Whether performed to treat thyroid cancer, manage hyperthyroidism, or alleviate the symptoms of an enlarged thyroid (goiter), this surgical procedure can greatly improve a patient’s quality of life. Here are some of the key benefits of thyroidectomy:

Removes thyroid cancer or suspicious nodules, which helps minimise the risk of cancer spread.
Alleviates symptoms of large goiters, such as difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Controls hyperthyroidism when other treatments are ineffective.
Provides relief from compressive symptoms caused by thyroid enlargement.
Eliminate the need for long term follow up of thyroid nodules and improve cosmesis.

What conditions can a Thyroidectomy treat?

Thyroidectomy is a versatile surgical procedure that can effectively address several thyroid-related conditions. It is commonly used to treat:

Thyroid cancer: the removal of all or part of the thyroid gland is often the first line of treatment for various types of thyroid cancer, which helps prevent the spread of cancerous cells.
Large goiters: when the thyroid gland becomes enlarged (goiter) and causes symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, thyroidectomy can alleviate these compressive symptoms.
Hyperthyroidism: in cases where the thyroid gland produces excessive thyroid hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism, and when other treatments like medication or radioactive iodine therapy are ineffective, thyroidectomy offers a definitive solution.
Thyroid nodules: surgery is recommended when thyroid nodules are suspicious for cancer, cause symptoms, or lead to hyperthyroidism.
Graves’ disease: this autoimmune disorder causes hyperthyroidism, and thyroidectomy may be an option for patients who do not respond well to other treatments.

thyroidectomy for thyroid nodules singapore

Thyroidectomy is performed for thyroid nodules when they are large, cause symptoms, or have a risk of being cancerous.

What results can I expect?

When you arrive at NC Tan Surgery for thyroidectomy, you will meet with our surgical team, who will explain what to expect and answer any questions. You may undergo imaging tests and blood work to ensure you are fully prepared for surgery. The surgery will be performed using the most appropriate method for your condition, whether that’s a traditional approach or a minimally invasive technique.

After the surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area where our team will closely monitor you as the anesthesia wears off. Most patients experience mild discomfort, such as a sore throat or hoarse voice, which typically resolves within a few days to weeks. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight. Recovery times vary, but most patients can return to normal activities within 1 to 2 weeks, with full recovery taking a little longer.

In terms of results, if you’ve had a partial thyroidectomy, the remaining thyroid may function adequately, which eliminates the need for lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy. However, if your entire thyroid was removed, you will need to take daily thyroid hormone pills to maintain normal bodily functions. Over time, any surgical scars will fade, and our team will provide guidance on how to care for the incision to minimise scarring. You can expect significant relief from the symptoms that led to your surgery, whether that involves the removal of cancer, alleviation of pressure from a goiter, or control of hyperthyroidism.

How many sessions are needed?

Typically, a thyroidectomy is a one-time surgical procedure, meaning that only a single session is required to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. The number of sessions does not vary because the surgery is designed to address the thyroid condition in one comprehensive operation.

However, the extent of the surgery—whether it's a partial or total thyroidectomy—will depend on the specific condition being treated, such as thyroid cancer, goiter, or hyperthyroidism. After the procedure, follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor your recovery, manage any potential complications, and adjust thyroid hormone replacement therapy if needed.

If you've been diagnosed with a thyroid condition that may require surgery, schedule an appointment with NC Tan Surgery to learn more about thyroidectomy and explore the best treatment options for your health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will I be hospitalised after a thyroidectomy?

While most patients stay overnight, those undergoing total thyroidectomy may be required to stay longer for post-operative monitoring purposes.

Will I have a visible scar after thyroid surgery?

Yes, but the scar is usually small and strategically placed in a natural neck crease to minimise visibility. Over time, it will fade and become less noticeable, often blending into the skin within six months.

Will I experience pain after the surgery?

Some discomfort is normal, particularly when swallowing. Most patients find over-the-counter pain medications sufficient enough to manage pain, and narcotic pain relief is rarely needed.

What are the risks of thyroidectomy?

While complications are rare, there are risks such as injury to the nerves controlling the vocal cords, leading to temporary or permanent hoarseness, and potential damage to the parathyroid glands, which could affect calcium levels in the blood.

When can I return to normal activities?

Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days, depending on how they feel. However, it is generally advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for at least one to two weeks.

Thyroid & Parathyroid

Head & Neck

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