Total Thyroidectomy
The entire thyroid gland is removed — the definitive operation for thyroid cancer, multinodular goitre, large symptomatic glands, and Graves' disease.
What is Total Thyroidectomy?
Total thyroidectomy is the complete surgical removal of both thyroid lobes and the isthmus. It is the definitive treatment for thyroid cancer (especially differentiated and medullary types), large multinodular goitres causing compressive symptoms, retrosternal goitre, Graves' disease refractory to medical management, and bilateral nodular disease. Dr. Abhishek performs this at Lux Hospitals with meticulous preservation of the recurrent laryngeal nerves and parathyroid glands, followed by lifelong thyroid hormone replacement that restores completely normal function.
How the Procedure Works
Anaesthesia & Positioning
General anaesthesia is administered; patient is positioned with the neck extended on a shoulder roll.
Collar Incision
A 5–7 cm transverse incision is made in a natural neck crease for optimal cosmetic outcome.
Bilateral Mobilisation
Both thyroid lobes are mobilised; superior and inferior thyroid vessels are carefully ligated.
Nerve & Parathyroid Preservation
Both recurrent laryngeal nerves are identified and preserved; all four parathyroids are protected with blood supply.
Gland Removal & Closure
The entire thyroid is removed; haemostasis is confirmed; drain may be placed; wound is closed in layers.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
- →Complete removal of all thyroid tissue for definitive disease control
- →Eliminates risk of recurrence in bilateral nodular disease
- →Enables radioactive iodine ablation for cancer if required
- →Single-stage treatment for extensive thyroid pathology
- →Cosmetic neck crease incision with careful closure technique
- →Lifelong hormone replacement restores normal thyroid function
Total thyroidectomy is a precise, demanding operation where every millimetre matters. Preserving the recurrent laryngeal nerves and parathyroid blood supply is what separates a good outcome from a compromised one.
— Dr. Abhishek Katha, Consultant General & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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