Thyroid Operations

Specialist endocrine and thyroid procedures performed by Suren

Suren is a fellowship-trained endocrine surgeon with extensive experience in thyroid, parathyroid, and neck surgery. He performs a range of procedures using minimally invasive and advanced techniques to ensure safe outcomes and optimal recovery.

Common reasons for removing the entire thyroid includes an enlarged gland (goitre),  proven thyroid cancer and an overactive thyroid gland that cannot be controlled with medications.  A hemithyroidectomy is performed if a nodule is large,  hyperfunctioning or if there is concern it may be cancerous.

What to expect

Thyroid surgery is performed in hospital under general anaesthesia. The incision is across the lower part of the neck.   Local anaesthetic medications are injected into the wound at the end of the operation,  so patients usually wake up feeling comfortable.  Patients can expect to spend one or two nights in hospital.  If the whole gland is removed,  they will have blood tests in the evening after surgery and the following morning to check calcium levels, and will commence thyroid supplements.  This is usually unnecessary if only half the gland is removed.

After thyroid surgery, patients can usually eat and drink,  talk and walk around after a few hours,  once the anaesthetic has fully worn off.  Patients can resume driving when they can turn their head quickly with absolutely no discomfort, usually about two weeks, and strenuous exercise after about four weeks.

Below is an overview of the key procedures offered.

Hemithyroidectomy

A hemithyroidectomy involves the removal of one lobe of the thyroid gland. This procedure is commonly performed for:

  • Benign thyroid nodules

  • Indeterminate biopsy results

  • Small thyroid cancers

  • Multinodular goitre affecting one side of the gland

By removing only one half of the thyroid, patients may retain normal thyroid function and avoid long-term hormone replacement in many cases. This surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and usually requires an overnight stay.

Total Thyroidectomy

Total thyroidectomy involves removing the entire thyroid gland and is often recommended for:

  • Thyroid cancer

  • Graves’ disease

  • Large multinodular goitre involving both lobes

  • Compressive symptoms due to gland enlargement

Following total thyroidectomy, lifelong thyroid hormone replacement (thyroxine) is required. Suren uses meticulous surgical technique with nerve monitoring to protect the recurrent laryngeal nerves and parathyroid glands, minimising complications such as voice changes or calcium disturbances.

Neck Dissection for Thyroid Cancer

In cases where thyroid cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, neck dissection may be required alongside thyroidectomy.

Central Neck Dissection (Level VI)

This involves removal of lymph nodes immediately around the thyroid gland and trachea. It is commonly performed when papillary thyroid cancer has spread to nearby nodes.

Lateral Neck Dissection (Levels II–V)

This procedure removes lymph nodes along the side of the neck when cancer has spread beyond the central compartment. It requires specialised knowledge of neck anatomy to safely remove disease while preserving important nerves, vessels, and muscle.

Suren has advanced training in central and lateral neck dissection techniques, including re-operative and revision surgery.

Excision of Thyroglossal Duct Cyst

A thyroglossal duct cyst is a congenital neck mass that can become infected or cause cosmetic concern. It often presents in children or young adults as a midline swelling that moves when swallowing or protruding the tongue.

Surgery involves a Sistrunk procedure, where the cyst, tract, and central portion of the hyoid bone are removed to minimise the risk of recurrence. This procedure is typically done under general anaesthetic as a day or overnight surgery.

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