The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Thyroid surgery
THYROIDECTOMY
HCA UK provides thyroidectomy to treat and diagnose problems with your thyroid gland.
About thyroid glands
The thyroid gland produces hormones and is located in the neck. Sometimes lumps, nodules and cysts (abnormal growths of thyroid tissue) can develop on your thyroid gland and require removal via thyroid surgery (thyroidectomy).
Although most abnormal growths are benign (non-cancerous), they should always be assessed by your GP or consultant.
Need to know
There are two main types: total thyroidectomy (where your entire thyroid is removed) and near-total thyroidectomy (where a small amount of tissue is left).
Thyroid surgery will be performed under general anaesthetic. The consultant will make an incision in the crease of your neck and will tie off the arteries in order to minimise blood loss. After all or part of your thyroid has been removed, the area will be closed with stitches or staples.
Thyroidectomy is generally a very safe procedure, however as with any surgery or treatment, there are some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you and answer any questions you might have.
Thyroid surgery usually takes between one and two hours.
Your consultant will let you know in advance how long to avoid eating and drinking before your surgery.
After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery unit, where our dedicated team will look after you. Youll be given pain relief medication if needed.
After the procedure, your blood pressure, pulse, breathing and temperature will be measured. You may be required to spend up to two days in hospital, depending on the type of thyroidectomy that you have had.
Your consultant or specialist nurse will let you know when you can leave the hospital and will also advise you on how to best manage your ongoing treatment and pain relief.
Our Thyroid surgery locations
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
Leaders in Oncology Care
95-97 Harley Street W1G 6AF London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Sydney Street Outpatients
102 Sydney Street SW3 6NR London
The Physicians' Clinic
14 Devonshire Street W1G 7AE London
The London Gamma Knife Centre
Platinum Medical Centre, Lodge Road NW8 7JA London
The Wellington Hospital Outpatients
15 - 17 Lodge Road NW8 7JA London
Private Care at Guy's
London Bridge Hospital Private Care at Guy's SE1 9RT London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.