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Hemithyroidectomy is surgery that removes one thyroid lobe, commonly together with the isthmus connecting the two lobes. It is also called thyroid lobectomy. The opposite thyroid lobe is left in place and can continue producing thyroid hormone. The operation is used for selected unilateral thyroid nodules, cancers, goiters, or other diseases limited mainly to one side of the gland.
read more about hemithyroidectomy ...The procedure can be used to diagnose or treat a suspicious thyroid nodule, a symptomatic unilateral goiter, or selected low-risk differentiated thyroid cancers confined to one lobe. Current thyroid-cancer guidance supports lobectomy for appropriately selected low-risk disease rather than requiring total thyroidectomy in every case. The operation can provide definitive treatment while preserving functioning thyroid tissue on the opposite side. Final pathology can occasionally identify features that lead to a later recommendation for completion thyroidectomy.
The surgeon makes a low neck incision and exposes the affected thyroid lobe. The lobe is separated from surrounding tissues while the recurrent laryngeal nerve, superior laryngeal nerve branches, and parathyroid glands are protected. The thyroid vessels supplying the operative side are divided, and the lobe is removed, commonly with the isthmus. The opposite lobe is left undisturbed unless another finding changes the planned extent of surgery.
Patients are monitored after surgery for neck swelling, bleeding, voice changes, pain, and swallowing discomfort. Many return home the same day or after a short observation period, depending on clinical circumstances. Thyroid-stimulating hormone is checked during follow-up because the remaining lobe does not always produce enough thyroid hormone. Some patients develop postoperative hypothyroidism and require levothyroxine, while others maintain normal thyroid function without medication.
Possible complications include bleeding, neck hematoma, infection, scar discomfort, and temporary swallowing or voice changes. Injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve can cause weakness or paralysis of the vocal fold on the operated side. Permanent hypoparathyroidism is uncommon after an uncomplicated one-sided operation because parathyroid glands on the opposite side remain intact. Other long-term issues include hypothyroidism, recurrent disease in the remaining lobe, or the need for completion thyroidectomy after final pathology.
Yes. Both terms generally mean removal of one thyroid lobe, commonly with the isthmus, while the opposite lobe remains in place.
Not always. The remaining thyroid lobe can produce enough hormone for many patients, but postoperative hypothyroidism can develop and require levothyroxine.
Yes. Current guidelines support lobectomy for selected low-risk differentiated thyroid cancers that are appropriately confined to one lobe.
Yes. Completion thyroidectomy can be recommended if final pathology reveals higher-risk cancer features or if significant disease later develops in the remaining lobe.
2025 American Thyroid Association Management Guidelines for Adult Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40844370/. Date Accessed August 13, 2026.
Thyroidectomy (Thyroid Surgery): What It Is & Recovery. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/7016-thyroidectomy. Date Accessed August 13, 2026.
Hypothyroidism after hemithyroidectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11229296/. Date Accessed August 13, 2026.
Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and preservation in thyroidectomy. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16311659/. Date Accessed August 13, 2026.
Thyroid Hormone Replacement After Thyroid Lobectomy. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2755641/. Date Accessed August 13, 2026.