A thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of all or some of the thyroid gland. This surgery is used to treat benign thyroid nodules and large goiter (noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid). In most cases, thyroidectomy is the preferred treatment of thyroid cancer. A total thyroidectomy removes the entire thyroid, whereas a hemi-thyroidectomy removes a portion of the gland.

The thyroid gland is located in the front section of the neck. The gland captures iodine that has been absorbed into the blood from food and uses the iodine to produce thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones play a major role in regulating the body’s metabolism, the body’s process of using food for energy and growth.