Your Guide to a Thyroid Lobectomy and Recovery

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

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.