Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Goitre surgery
Introduction
Surgery
Surgery
Surgery can be used for patients with
- A large goiter that is uncomfortable or causes difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Nodular goiter causing hyperthyroidism
- Thyroid cancer
But removal of a goitre requires removing the thyroid. The complete removal of the thyroid gland removes the body’s ability to produce thyroid hormone. In this case, oral thyroxine supplements are necessary to avoid harm from hypothyroidism.
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]