Definition of Thyroid gland removal:

Thyroid gland removal is surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland.

• Total thyroidectomy removes the entire gland.
• Subtotal or partial thyroidectomy removes part of the thyroid gland.

The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system and plays a major role in controlling the body's metabolism.

Description:

Thyroidectomy is done while you are under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). Sometimes it is done with regional anesthesia (awake, but pain-free). The surgeon makes a cut in the neck and locates the gland. All or part of the thyroid gland, depending on the particular procedure, is removed.

Indications:

Thyroidectomy may be recommended for the following:

• Cancer of the thyroid
• Hashimoto's disease (a type of hypothyroidism)
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) with enlargement of the gland
• Thyroid swelling (nontoxic goiter)
• Thyrotoxicosis

The procedure may also be done if a patient with an overactive thyroid does not want to have radioactive iodine treatment and cannot be treated with medications.