Thyroid lobectomy (hemi thyroidectomy)
What is a Thyroid Lobectomy?
The thyroid gland is located in the neck and is responsible for producing hormones that regulate the body's metabolism. The lobes of the thyroid gland are connected by a small bridge of thyroid tissue called the isthmus. A thyroid lobectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one lobe of the thyroid gland including the thyroid isthmus and pyramidal lobe.
Why might I need a Thyroid Lobectomy?
A lobectomy may be performed to treat conditions that affect the thyroid gland including:
thyroid nodule
thyroid cyst
toxic nodule
small thyroid cancer
Further information about Thyroid Lobectomy
What does thyroid lobectomy surgery involve?
General anaesthetic
Small incision in a skin crease at the front of the neck
All sutures are dissolvable under the skin
Waterproof dressing so you can shower after the operation
Removal of one lobe of the thyroid including the isthmus and pyramidal lobe
Identification and preservation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve which is the nerve supplying the vocal cords
Identification and preservation of the parathyroid glands with transplantation into the nearby sternocleidomastoid muscle if they cannot be adequately preserved
Sometimes a small drain tube is inserted and is usually removed within 24hrs
There are no dietary restrictions post operatively
You can mobilise as soon as you have recovered from the anaesthetic
Usually an overnight stay in hospital, however day surgery may be performed in selected patients
The thyroid tissue that is removed is sent away for examination by an anatomical pathologist with results usually being available at your follow up appointment
How long is the recovery after thyroid lobectomy surgery?
Overnight stay in hospital or day surgery procedure in selected cases
Thyroidectomy is not a particularly painful operation, local anaesthetic will be used at the time of surgery which will last for up to 24hrs. Simple analgesia such as paracetamol and ibuprofen is usually all that is required
The skin is healed in 10-14 days
You can resume driving when you are comfortable to make an emergency stop and head turn without causing discomfort. You should check with your individual insurance provider for specific policy details
Avoid strenuous exercise for 4 weeks post operatively
What are the risks of thyroid lobectomy surgery?
Bleeding
Scar
Infection
Voice change – if a voice change occurs, the majority of the time it is temporary and the nerve repairs within weeks to months. Permanent damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve may cause the voice to sound hoarse, breathy or weak and the risk of permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury is 1-2%
Up to 20% of patients who have a thyroid lobectomy may ultimately require thyroxine supplementation to keep their thyroid hormone levels within the normal range. You will have a blood test at 6 weeks post operatively to check your thyroid function
You may require further treatment or monitoring depending on the final pathology result