There are two principal operations – thyroid lobectomy (removing one half of the thyroid gland) and total thyroidectomy (removing all the thyroid gland).

An advice sheet on thyroid surgery for thyroid lumps / goitres can be downloaded below.

For most patients total thyroidectomy will involve only an overnight stay in hospital. You will be sent home with a supply of thyroid hormone tablets as replacement for your natural hormone.

Thyroid lobectomy is a smaller operation and the recovery is quicker. Some patients are suitable to have this done and to go home on the day of operation.