Thyroid surgery

What is thyroid surgery?

The thyroid gland is a small gland in your neck that produces and releases hormones into your bloodstream. These hormones control your metabolism, including how your body stores and uses energy. Surgery to remove part or all of your thyroid gland is called a thyroidectomy.

Why have this procedure?

If you have a problem with your thyroid, you may need to have part or all of your thyroid gland removed. This may include treatment for thyroid cancer, an enlarged thyroid that excretes too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism or Graves’ disease), thyroid nodules that increase their activity (diffuse or multimodal goitre) or grow large enough to cause problems with breathing or swallowing.

What is involved in this procedure?

Thyroid surgery is performed in hospital under general anaesthetic.  

Thyroid surgery can take between 1-3 hours depending on your underlying condition and whether you need to have part or all of your thyroid removed.

What should I expect after surgery?

After surgery, you may need to take medications, especially if your entire thyroid is removed as your body will no longer make thyroid hormone. If you have had thyroid cancer, additional treatment using radioactive iodine therapy may be recommended to reduce the risk of cancer coming back.

Where will I have my surgery?

Thyroid surgery may be booked as day or overnight surgery. If you have private health cover, you can choose to have the surgery at North Shore Private Hospital, Castlecrag Private Hospital or Northern Beaches Hospital. If you prefer to be seen as a public patient, surgery is offered at Northern Beaches Hospital.