There are several types of thyroid surgery. To understand the differences between the procedures, it is important to understand the anatomy of the thyroid gland. The gland is similar in appearance to the shape of a butterfly. Each “wing” is made up of a lobe, and they are connected by the thyroid isthmus, or the” body” of the butterfly.
- Partial lobectomy thyroid surgery: A portion of one lobe of the thyroid is removed
- Lobectomy thyroid surgery: An entire lobe of the thyroid is removed
- Lobectomy with isthmusectomy thyroid surgery: One lobe, along with the isthmus, is removed.
- Subtotal thyroidectomy: Most of the thyroid is removed, but a functioning section remains (typically used for the treatment of Graves disease)
- Total Thyroidectomy: Both lobes and the isthmus are removed
