Surgery of the thyroid gland is a very common operation performed for both benign and malignant (cancerous) diseases. The procedure typically involves a horizontal incision across the neck and usually one lobe (side) of the thyroid is removed.
Occasionally both lobes may need to be removed if cancer is suspected. There is usually no significant preparation for this surgery. The surgeon will explain the procedure in greater detail during pre-operative consultation.
An overnight stay in the hospital is usually involved.