Risks include voice changes from nerve injury (<1%), temporary hypocalcaemia, bleeding, and wound infection. Meticulous nerve and parathyroid identification keeps serious complications very rare in experienced hands.

✦ Hemithyroidectomy / Thyroid Lobectomy

Hemithyroidectomy / Thyroid Lobectomy

Q: Will I need thyroid hormone tablets?

About 70–80% of patients maintain normal thyroid function after lobectomy without medication. Thyroid levels are monitored; if they drop, a low dose of thyroxine is started — usually well tolerated long-term.

Q: How visible will the scar be?

The scar is placed in a natural neck crease and typically fades to a thin pale line over 6–12 months. Silicone gels, sun protection, and scar massage significantly improve cosmetic outcome.

Q: When can I return to work?

Desk work usually resumes in 1 week; heavy lifting and strenuous activity should wait 2–3 weeks. Voice rest and gentle neck movements are advised during the first week of recovery.

One lobe of the thyroid gland is removed — the standard operation for unilateral thyroid nodules, indeterminate cytology, or localised thyroid disease.

60–90 min PROCEDURE

1–2 Days HOSPITAL STAY

>98% SUCCESS RATE

1–2 Weeks RECOVERY

What is Hemithyroidectomy / Thyroid Lobectomy?

Hemithyroidectomy (thyroid lobectomy) is the surgical removal of one lobe of the thyroid gland along with the isthmus. It is the standard procedure for patients with a unilateral thyroid nodule, indeterminate cytology (Bethesda III/IV), small low-risk thyroid cancer, or localised benign disease. Dr. Abhishek performs this at Lux Hospitals through a small collar incision with careful preservation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and parathyroid glands — often avoiding the need for lifelong thyroid hormone replacement.

How the Procedure Works

Anaesthesia & Positioning

General anaesthesia is given; patient is positioned supine with the neck extended on a shoulder roll.

Collar Incision

A 4–5 cm transverse incision is made in a natural skin crease 2 cm above the sternal notch.

Thyroid Exposure

Strap muscles are separated in the midline; the affected thyroid lobe is mobilised from its vascular attachments.

Nerve & Parathyroid Identification

The recurrent laryngeal nerve is identified and preserved; parathyroid glands are protected with their blood supply.

Lobectomy & Closure

The lobe and isthmus are removed; strap muscles are approximated; skin is closed with subcuticular sutures.

Outcomes

60–90 minDURATION

1–2 DaysHOSPITAL STAY

>98%SUCCESS RATE

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Preserves half of the thyroid gland's natural function
→Often avoids lifelong thyroid hormone replacement
→Definitive diagnosis for indeterminate nodules
→Small, cosmetically favourable neck scar
→Short hospital stay with rapid return to normal life
→Lower risk of hypocalcaemia than total thyroidectomy

Thyroid lobectomy strikes an excellent balance — it treats the disease, provides definitive pathology, and in most cases leaves enough gland behind to maintain normal hormone levels without medication.

— Dr. Abhishek Katha, Consultant General & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I need thyroid hormone tablets?+

What are the risks?+

How visible will the scar be?+

When can I return to work?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Abhishek Katha and get a personalised treatment plan.

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