Thyroid Lobectomy: Uses, Side Effects, Recovery, and More

If part of your thyroid needs to be removed in a lobectomy, the remaining gland will likely still be able to fulfill most of the functions of a full thyroid gland.

Your thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, right below your voice box. It produces important hormones used throughout your body, and it helps regulate your metabolism.

The thyroid is made up of two halves called lobes. When your thyroid isn’t producing hormones properly or grows cancerous cells, you might need one of those halves removed in a procedure called a thyroid lobectomy.

Read on to learn more about the benefits of a thyroid lobectomy, what side effects or complications you’ll need to keep in mind, and what to expect during your recovery from a thyroid lobectomy.

Uses of a thyroid lobectomy

Surgeons sometimes remove the whole thyroid gland to help treat the symptoms of thyroid gland problems or to stop thyroid cancer from spreading beyond the thyroid.

But the benefits of a partial thyroid lobectomy can sometimes outweigh those of a full thyroid removal, including:

• maintaining most of your thyroid function
• reducing the need for long-term thyroid hormone replacement therapy
• lowering the risk of affecting important glands around your thyroid called parathyroid glands (hypoparathyroidism)
• lowering the risk of nerve damage or dysfunction in your larynx (laryngeal nerve palsy)

A thyroid lobectomy is considered a very safe and effective treatment for thyroid conditions.

A 2024 study found that 96% of people who underwent a thyroid lobectomy for thyroid cancer survived at least 5 years or more after the procedure.

A 2020 study suggests that up to 9% of people who get a thyroid lobectomy might have some of their cancerous tissues come back up to 10 years after the procedure.

Possible side effects or complications of a thyroid lobectomy

Some common side effects to expect for the first few weeks after a thyroid lobectomy include:

• pain in your neck
• a sore throat
• soreness in your vocal cords when you speak
• a hoarse, creaky, or weak voice (laryngitis)

More severe side effects are rare, but contact a doctor if you notice any of these complications of a thyroid lobectomy:

• bleeding that doesn’t stop
• symptoms of an infection, such as pain, swelling, or discharge
• tingling or numbness around your neck
• losing your ability to speak
• difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• a high fever and high heart rate (thyroid storm)
• passing out

What to expect after thyroid lobectomy 

You’ll receive a general anesthetic so that you stay asleep throughout the procedure. When you wake up, you might notice that your throat is sore and your voice is a bit weak.

You may be able to go home the same day or the next day. You’ll need to follow a diet of liquids or softer foods for a day or two, but you can eat as you normally do within a few days or less.

Your surgical team will give you personalized recommendations for your recovery, and it’s important to follow them closely.

Here are some general tips for the first few days after your thyroid lobectomy:

• Cover your surgical site when you take a shower to keep water from getting into your surgical incision.
• Don’t bathe or immerse your neck in water for at least a week.
• Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for at least 3 weeks.
• Take 1 or 2 weeks off from your regular work or responsibilities to allow yourself time to recover.
• Take any pain medications your doctor has prescribed to manage your pain and discomfort.

After a thyroid lobectomy, you’ll need blood tests to monitor your thyroid hormones over time. This helps ensure that your hormones and calcium levels stay within the normal ranges.

Your thyroid hormones will drop temporarily after the procedure, known as postprocedural hypothyroidism, but they’re likely to go back up once you recover.

If your thyroid hormone levels dip a lot after a thyroid lobectomy, you may need thyroid hormone replacement therapy to keep your thyroid hormone levels within the normal range.

You may notice some scarring around your neck. Scars from a thyroid lobectomy will usually heal and become less visible after about 6 months.

You might also notice some unexpected weight gain for a few months until your thyroid hormones return to a normal range.

Monitor your symptoms and contact a doctor if you notice any complications of low thyroid hormone levels or low calcium, such as:

• fatigue
• constipation
• hair loss
• changes in your mental health
• numbness or tingling around your mouth or fingers

FAQ Section for Thyroid Lobectomy: Uses, Side Effects, Recovery, and More

What ​is a‍ Thyroid ⁣Lobectomy?

A thyroid lobectomy is a surgical procedure that​ involves the removal of one of the two lobes⁢ of the thyroid gland. This operation is often performed to treat conditions such as thyroid ‍nodules, goiters, or thyroid cancer that ⁢are confined ⁢to one lobe of the thyroid gland.

Why is Thyroid Lobectomy Performed?

Thyroid lobectomy is ‍typically performed‍ to address‌ various thyroid-related conditions. ‍These​ include the removal of suspicious or cancerous thyroid nodules, alleviating symptoms caused ‍by an‌ enlarged‌ thyroid (goiter), or treating hyperthyroidism when it is localized to one lobe.

What Are the Potential Side Effects of a Thyroid ​Lobectomy?

While thyroid ⁣lobectomy is generally considered safe, some potential side effects⁤ include bleeding, ⁤infection, ​a change in voice due to nerve damage, and imbalance in‍ thyroid hormone levels. In most cases, the remaining lobe compensates‍ for‌ hormone production, minimizing the need ⁤for‍ hormone replacement ​therapy.

What ⁢Types of Conditions Can⁤ Be Managed ⁢with Thyroid Lobectomy?

Thyroid lobectomy can help ​manage conditions such‌ as benign ​thyroid‍ nodules,‌ goiters causing obstructive symptoms, and certain types ‌of thyroid cancers. It is also an option for treating hyperthyroidism when the overproduction of⁤ hormones is limited to one lobe.

How is ‍the Surgery Performed?

The‍ surgery⁣ is usually performed ⁤under general anesthesia. A small incision is made in the neck to access the thyroid gland, ‍and the affected lobe is carefully removed. The surgeon takes care to minimize any ‌damage to ⁤nearby structures, such as the parathyroid glands and the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

What ⁤is‍ the Recovery Process Like?

Recovery from a thyroid lobectomy typically‍ involves a short hospital stay, ​often less than 24 ​hours. Patients may experience⁤ a sore throat, neck pain, and ⁢some hoarseness. Most individuals can ⁣resume normal activities ⁤within a‌ week or two, but it ‍is ⁤advised to avoid strenuous activities for a ‍few weeks.

Will I Need to Take Thyroid ​Hormone Replacement After​ the Surgery?

Most patients do not need thyroid hormone replacement after a⁣ thyroid​ lobectomy since the remaining lobe usually produces⁣ adequate hormone levels. However,⁢ some ​individuals ‍may ⁤require monitoring and‌ potentially need thyroid hormone supplementation ‍if their remaining thyroid tissue ‍does not produce‍ sufficient hormones.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions After a⁢ Thyroid Lobectomy?

Generally, there are no specific ​dietary restrictions after thyroid lobectomy. It is important ‍to maintain a balanced diet to​ support recovery. Staying hydrated and consuming soft foods initially may help ⁤with comfort during ​the healing process.

How Should I Care for My Incision Post-Surgery?

Keep the incision area clean and dry to promote healing and reduce infection risk. Follow specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider⁣ regarding incision care, ⁢and avoid exposing the area to excessive moisture ⁤or sunlight until⁣ it ​has fully healed.

When Should I Contact My Doctor⁣ After the ‍Procedure?

Contact your doctor ​if you⁤ experience ‍symptoms such ​as excessive bleeding, signs of infection (redness, swelling, or pus), persistent fever,⁢ difficulty breathing, or any ‌unusual⁢ pain.​ Additionally, report any‍ significant‍ changes in voice, swallowing difficulties, or symptoms ‌of low calcium levels, such as tingling or muscle ⁣cramps.

These ⁢FAQs provide‍ a comprehensive ‍understanding ‍of thyroid lobectomy, its​ uses, potential⁤ side effects, and ‍the recovery process. Always consult your ⁣healthcare provider for personalized ⁤medical advice and information ⁤specific to your ⁢condition.

Takeaway

A thyroid lobectomy is a safe and effective way to treat thyroid conditions or thyroid cancer without removing your whole thyroid gland.

Talk with a doctor if you’re experiencing symptoms of a thyroid condition. They can help determine whether a thyroid lobectomy might be an option to manage your symptoms.