Hemithyroidectomy
What is a Hemithyroidectomy?
A hemithyroidectomy is an operation where Dr Fragkiadakis removes half (one lobe) of your thyroid gland. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that helps control your body’s metabolism. If there’s a problem on just one side of your thyroid, removing only that side can often fix the issue while leaving the other half to keep working.
Some people who have this surgery still have enough thyroid function afterward. If your body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone after the operation, you might need to take a daily hormone tablet.
Why Might I Need a Hemithyroidectomy?
Surgery may be recommended if you have:
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Benign (Non-cancerous) Thyroid Nodules: These are lumps in your thyroid that aren’t cancer, but might cause a visible lump, trouble swallowing, or breathing problems.
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Thyroid Cancer (on one side): If cancer is found in just one lobe, removing that side can treat the cancer while keeping the other side healthy.
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Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism) on One Side: If only one side of your thyroid is making too much hormone, surgery can help, especially if other treatments haven’t worked.
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Goitre: This means your thyroid is enlarged. If the swelling is only on one side and causing symptoms, removing that side can help.
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Unclear/indeterminate or Suspicious Biopsy Results: If a needle biopsy test on a thyroid lump doesn’t give a clear answer, surgery may be needed to remove and test the tissue.
What Happens During the Surgery?
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Before Surgery: You’ll have tests like an ultrasound, blood tests, and sometimes a biopsy. Dr Fragkiadakis will check your overall health and may give you medicine to prepare.
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During Surgery: You’ll be asleep under general anaesthetic. Dr Fragkiadakis makes a small cut in your lower neck, usually in a skin crease to help hide the scar. He will carefully remove the affected half of your thyroid, taking care to avoid important nerves and glands nearby.
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After Surgery: The cut is closed with dissolvable stitches, and you’ll have a small dressing or skin glue. The operation usually takes 1–2 hours.
What Are the Risks?
All surgeries have some risks, but serious problems are rare. Possible risks include:
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Hoarseness or Voice Changes: A nerve near the thyroid helps control your voice. If it’s irritated or injured, your voice may be hoarse, but this usually gets better with time. Injury of the nerve is infrequent
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Bleeding or Infection: These are uncommon and can usually be treated if they happen.
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Low Thyroid Hormone (Hypothyroidism): Sometimes the remaining thyroid can’t make enough hormone, so you may need medication (usually for lifelong).
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Scarring: Most scars are small and fade over time, but some people may have more noticeable scars.
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Risks relating to the general anaesthetic: For more info for anaesthetic risks, you can check this link.
Recovery After Surgery
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Hospital Stay: Some people go home the same day or after one night in the hospital.
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Pain and Wound Care: You might have mild pain or discomfort for a few days. Keep the area clean and dry, and follow your doctor’s instructions.
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Voice Rest: If your voice is hoarse, resting it can help.
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Follow-Up: You’ll see Dr Fragkiadakis after surgery to check your healing and review test results. Blood tests will be done about two months later to check your thyroid hormone levels.
Getting Back to Normal:
Most people return to work and regular activities within two weeks. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 4–6 weeks.
For further information, please click on the link below
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