About Thyroidectomy
Key Highlights
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Definitive treatment for thyroid cancer and large, symptomatic goiters.Can resolve hyperthyroidism when medications are ineffective or not tolerated.Modern techniques minimize visible scarring and post-operative discomfort.High success rate in alleviating symptoms like neck pressure, difficulty swallowing, and breathing problems.Allows for precise pathological analysis of removed tissue to guide further treatment.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of thyroid cancer (papillary, follicular, medullary).
- Large multinodular goiter causing compression symptoms (dysphagia, dyspnea, choking).
- Graves' disease (hyperthyroidism) unresponsive to anti-thyroid drugs or radioactive iodine.
- Suspicious thyroid nodules that are biopsy-proven or have concerning features on ultrasound.
- Cosmetic reasons for a significantly enlarged thyroid (goiter).
How to prepare
- Complete blood tests, thyroid function tests, and often a neck ultrasound.
- Possible fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of thyroid nodules.
- Laryngoscopy to check vocal cord function before surgery.
- Adjustment or cessation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the surgeon.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours prior to the scheduled surgery time.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding and hematoma formation in the neck, which can rarely compromise breathing.
- Injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerves, potentially causing temporary or permanent hoarseness or voice changes.
- Accidental removal of or damage to parathyroid glands, leading to low blood calcium (hypoparathyroidism).
- Infection at the surgical site.
- Scar formation and, rarely, keloid development.
- Need for lifelong thyroid hormone replacement medication after total thyroidectomy.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay typically lasts 1-2 days for monitoring of breathing, bleeding, and calcium levels.
- Pain at the incision site is managed with prescribed medications; it usually subsides within a week.
- Keep the incision clean and dry; stitches or staples are removed in 7-10 days.
- Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and straining for 2-3 weeks.
- Follow-up blood tests are crucial to check thyroid hormone and calcium levels to guide medication (levothyroxine and possibly calcium/vitamin D).
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with the surgeon and endocrinologist.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-2 days
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Expected recovery time: 2-3 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering thyroidectomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for thyroidectomy in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform thyroidectomy. MediFyr helps you compare general surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for thyroidectomy compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Thyroidectomy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated general surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing thyroidectomy.
Sai Singh, a 58-year-old retired schoolteacher...
Sai Singh, a 58-year-old retired schoolteacher and grandfather of three, had always been energetic. Over the past year, he noticed a persistent, uncomfortable lump in his neck that made swallowing difficult and sometimes made him feel like he was being choked. His voice grew hoarse, and he was constantly fatigued, which he initially blamed on aging. His daughter, concerned by his visible weight loss and the growing prominence of the lump, insisted he see a doctor. An ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration biopsy revealed a large, suspicious nodule on his right thyroid lobe. The endocrinologist, Dr. Kapoor, explained that while not all nodules are cancerous, the size and characteristics warranted removal for definitive diagnosis and to relieve his compressive symptoms. Sai was terrified of surgery and the potential diagnosis of cancer, fearing he wouldn't see his grandchildren grow up. The thyroidectomy went smoothly. The pathology report brought immense relief, it was a benign follicular adenoma. Post-surgery, Sai managed well on thyroid hormone replacement. His swallowing improved immediately, his energy returned, and his voice gradually recovered. The emotional weight lifted was profound. He shifted from a state of fear and dread to one of gratitude and a renewed zest for life, now cherishing quiet moments with his family even more.
General surgeons for Thyroidectomy
Explore experienced general surgeons who regularly perform thyroidectomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 31 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- General surgeon
- 16 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 37 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 41 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 11 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 10 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 39 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 37 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 35 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore