If you are advised to undergo thyroid surgery, you may have concerns about life expectancy after thyroid removal. Whether you are going to have a total thyroidectomy, thyroid lobectomy, or right thyroid lobectomy, it is natural to stress about the changes it will bring to your life in the long run.
Fortunately, thyroid removal does not impact life expectancy in most people, especially with proper care and regular health check-ups. In fact, thyroid removal can improve long-term health outcomes for individuals suffering from thyroid cancer or severe hyperthyroidism.
What Is Thyroid Removal?
Thyroid removal, better known as thyroidectomy, is the surgical removal of the thyroid gland, fully or partially. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland in the front of the neck. The thyroid gland releases hormones that regulate metabolism, affecting various bodily processes like breathing, heart rate, mood, digestion, and weight.
Healthcare professionals perform thyroid removal, or thyroidectomy, to treat thyroid disorders. Thyroidectomy is the main surgical treatment used in thyroid cancer and is a treatment option for other thyroid conditions, including thyroid nodules, hyperthyroidism, and goiter.
▪️Thyroid Cancer
A type of cancer that develops in the thyroid gland, thyroid cancer is highly treatable and has high cure rates through thyroidectomy. Life expectancy after thyroid removal remains largely unaltered if you manage the condition with the necessary after-care measures.
▪️Thyroid Nodules
A thyroid nodule is a benign (non-cancerous) growth of thyroid cells in the thyroid gland. In some cases, nodules may be malignant (cancerous). If these nodules are at risk of being cancerous, you may have to undergo thyroidectomy.
▪️Goiter
A goiter is a non-cancerous enlargement of the thyroid gland. It is uncomfortable if large and makes breathing or swallowing difficult. If it is causing your thyroid gland to be overactive, it must be removed.
▪️Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland produces the hormone thyroxine in excess. If hyperthyroidism does not resolve with anti-thyroid drugs or radioactive iodine therapy, undergoing thyroidectomy may be the next best option. You should discuss life expectancy after thyroid removal with your doctor.
Each thyroid-related condition is different and needs to be treated through distinct thyroid removal surgeries. The most appropriate procedure depends on the diagnosis, risk, and patient factors.
What Are the Different Types of Thyroid Removal Surgeries?
To explore the various types of thyroid removal surgeries, it is important to comprehend the structure of the thyroid gland. Located in the lower part of the neck, the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland has two lobes, left and right, connected by the thin central tissue called the “isthmus”. The posterior surface of these lobes contains four small parathyroid glands that produce the parathyroid hormone.
Not all types of thyroid complications require the complete removal of this gland. Your doctor may recommend a certain kind of thyroidectomy based on your underlying diagnosis and the severity of your condition. From removing a single lobe in the thyroid area to excising the entire gland, there are several surgical options available.
Understanding the different types of thyroid removal procedures, such as thyroid lobectomy, thyroid lobectomy with isthmusectomy, or total thyroidectomy, will help you feel more confident and informed when discussing your condition with your doctor. Each procedure has its own purpose, benefits, and long-term health implications, including its impact on life expectancy after thyroid removal.
I. Total Thyroidectomy
♦ What is it?
Total thyroidectomy involves the complete removal of the thyroid gland. Sometimes, the lymph nodes around the gland are also removed if the cancer has spread. After undergoing total thyroidectomy, you have to take a synthetic thyroid hormone pill every day as a hormone replacement measure.
♦ When is it used?
This type of thyroid removal surgery is mostly done to treat thyroid cancer. It may also be performed to treat Graves’ disease, uncontrollable goiter, or hyperthyroidism with severe symptoms.
♦ ✅Pros and ❌cons
- Total thyroidectomy is the definitive and long-term treatment for certain thyroid conditions, improving life expectancy after thyroid removal.
- It can be an alternative to other treatments, like radioactive iodine therapy or anti-thyroid medications.
- Another benefit is that surgery provides tissue for pathological examination, allowing pathologists to confirm the diagnosis and suggest the best course of treatment.
However, there are cons too.
- Firstly, there is a lifelong need for hormone replacement medications due to the complete removal of the gland.
- Secondly, just like any other surgery, complete thyroidectomy involves risks and complications. You may experience bleeding, infection, low parathyroid hormone levels, a decrease in calcium levels, a permanent weak or hoarse voice, slow metabolism, fatigue, etc.
- Also, due to ongoing medication and follow-up care, total thyroidectomy can be a costly procedure.
Life Expectancy After Thyroid Removal
With proper medical attention and hormone replacement therapy, it is possible to maintain good health and attain a normal life expectancy after thyroidectomy. Since post-surgical complications can impact your health and quality of life, it is important to consider regular follow-ups with your doctor to manage side effects, monitor hormone levels, and ensure overall well-being.
II. Thyroid Lobectomy
♦ What is it?
Thyroid lobectomy, also called hemithyroidectomy, is the surgical removal of one lobe of the thyroid gland. Depending on the condition, your doctor may perform either a left lobe or right lobe lobectomy. All the other critical structures, other than the thyroid, are left undamaged. The lymph nodes present along the side and below the thyroid gland may be examined to ensure that they are not cancerous.
♦ When is it used?
A thyroid lobectomy is appropriate for thyroid nodules located on one side of the thyroid gland. It may also be performed to treat small thyroid cancers or diagnose certain thyroid-related conditions.
♦ ✅Pros and ❌cons
- Thyroid lobectomy is a highly effective treatment for small to intermediate-sized papillary thyroid cancers.
- Performed through a small cosmetic incision, it offers a quick recovery with patients returning to daily activities in just 24 hours.
- Thyroid lobectomy comes with little to no risk of hypoparathyroidism (low calcium levels) and does not require you to take medications, as you still have thyroid tissue left.
There are a few cons to thyroid lobectomy.
- You may have to undergo another surgery if cancer is discovered in the removed lobe.
- There is a small risk of cancer recurrence in the remaining lobe after thyroid lobectomy.
♦ Life expectancy after partial thyroid removal
Thyroid lobectomy generally does not impact life expectancy if you pursue proper thyroid care and management. Both left and right thyroid lobectomy have similar life expectancy rates as total thyroidectomy, especially for benign conditions like thyroid nodules.
III. Thyroid Lobectomy With Isthmusectomy
♦ What is it?
Thyroid lobectomy with isthmusectomy involves the removal of one thyroid lobe along with the isthmus (the part that connects both thyroid lobes). This surgery removes more thyroid tissue than a regular lobectomy. Other than that, it is not a distinct surgery and can be considered a part of lobectomy.
♦ When is it used?
Thyroid lobectomy with isthmusectomy is performed when a large portion of the tissue is required to confirm that the problem has been eliminated. It may also be used to cure a larger cancer in the isthmus, or to address a non-cancerous nodule growing parallel with a cancerous or concerning nodule.
♦ ✅Pros and ❌cons
- Similar to thyroid lobectomy, this surgery leaves one part of the thyroid gland intact, allowing the gland to perform its functions normally.
- It is safer than total thyroidectomy, with reduced complications like bleeding, infection, or nerve damage.
- One disadvantage is that some patients undergoing thyroid lobectomy with isthmusectomy may need a completion surgery or radioactive iodine to facilitate the complete treatment of thyroid cancer and prevent recurrence.
♦ Life expectancy
Patient outcomes and clinical studies demonstrate that patients with one functioning thyroid lobe live normal lifespans. While the life expectancy remains unchanged for benign conditions, patients with early-stage thyroid cancers treated with this surgery demonstrate 5-year survival rates exceeding 98%.
IV. Isthmusectomy
♦ What is it?
An isthmusectomy is a thyroid gland surgery performed to remove the isthmus, the bridge between the left and right lobes of your thyroid gland. Thyroid nodules in the isthmus are less common than those arising in the left or right lobe, which makes isthmusectomy a rare surgical procedure.
♦ When is it used?
Isthmusectomy removes small tumors or benign nodules present in the isthmus. It may also be performed to treat isthmus goiter, causing cosmetic concerns or pressure on the trachea.
♦ ✅Pros and ❌cons
- Isthmusectomy preserves more of your thyroid tissue than other invasive procedures, also minimizing the side effects of thyroid surgeries.
- It involves a smaller incision and has a shorter operating time.
- With isthmusectomy, there is no need for hormone replacement therapy because both the lobes stay intact.
There are a few cons.
- If an isthmus nodule removed during isthmusectomy turns out to be aggressive or cancerous, a second surgery may be required.
- Isthmusectomies are performed rarely, and thus, only a few surgeons are experienced in administering this surgery.
♦ Life expectancy
Having an isthmusectomy does not reduce your life expectancy. When performed for small papillary thyroid cancers confined to the isthmus, the 10-year disease-specific patient survival rate was 100%.
Overview of Thyroid Removal Surgeries
| Surgery Type | What Is It? | When Is It Used? |
| Total Thyroidectomy | Complete removal of the entire thyroid gland. May include nearby lymph nodes. | Thyroid cancer, Graves’ disease, large goiter, severe hyperthyroidism. |
| Thyroid Lobectomy | Removal of one thyroid lobe (left or right). | Localized nodules or small cancers on one side; diagnostic evaluations. |
| Lobectomy with Isthmusectomy | Removal of one lobe plus the connecting isthmus. | When disease or nodules span a lobe and the central isthmus, larger nodules or early-stage cancers. |
| Isthmusectomy | Removal of only the isthmus (tissue bridge between the two lobes). | Treating isolated nodules in the isthmus; isthmus goiter; cosmetic or structural concerns. |
Pros, Cons, and Life Expectancy
| Surgery Type | ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons | Life Expectancy After Surgery |
| Total Thyroidectomy | ♦ Complete disease removal ♦ Enables precise diagnosis ♦ Long-term resolution for cancer or Graves’ disease |
♦ Lifelong hormone therapy ♦ Higher complication risk (nerve damage, low calcium) ♦ Expensive |
Normal life expectancy with medication and regular medical follow-up |
| Thyroid Lobectomy | ♦ Often no medication needed ♦ Fast recovery ♦ Low risk of complications |
♦ May need a second surgery ♦ Slight recurrence risk in the remaining lobe |
No reduction in lifespan for benign cases; excellent outcomes for small cancers |
| Lobectomy with Isthmusectomy | ♦ Preserves thyroid function ♦ Lower complication risk ♦ Suitable for slightly larger nodules |
♦ May require completion surgery or radioactive iodine ♦ Less commonly performed |
98%+ 5-year survival rate for early-stage cancers; normal lifespan for non-cancerous conditions |
| Isthmusectomy | ♦ Most conservative option ♦ Very low complication risk ♦ No need for hormone therapy |
♦ Rarely performed- Follow-up surgery is needed if cancer is detected | 100% 10-year disease-specific survival in early-stage cancers confined to the isthmus |
How Long Is Thyroid Surgery for Each Type of Procedure?
On average, a thyroid surgery lasts about 1 to 3 hours, depending on the type of procedure. A thyroid lobectomy, where only one lobe of the thyroid gland is removed, takes about one hour to 90 minutes. If you are having a thyroid lobectomy with isthmusectomy, the surgery may take slightly longer, up to 2 hours.
A total thyroidectomy can take 2 to 3 hours or even more, especially if cancer or other complexities are present. The exact time for each kind of surgery varies based on factors like patient anatomy, surgery complexities, or the need for additional procedures. Despite the differences, almost all thyroid surgeries are performed with general anesthesia and allow you to be discharged on the same day, or do a small hospital stay.
Recovery and Long-Term Health After Thyroid Surgery
Whether you are advised to go for a total thyroidectomy or a thyroid lobectomy with isthmusectomy, understanding the recovery process and long-term health impact is essential. Fortunately, most people recover fast and return to full, happy lives, especially when the condition is treated early and effectively.
Thyroidectomy and Lobectomy Recovery Timeline: What To Expect?
▪️Initial Recovery (First 1-2 Weeks)
You may experience mild swelling, pain, and soreness around the incision. Most probably, you will be able to return to a normal lifestyle within 7-10 days after a lobectomy or isthmusectomy, and within 2-3 weeks after a total thyroidectomy.
▪️Voice Changes and Swallowing
Temporary discomfort or hoarseness in the neck area may occur due to nerve irritation. Your vocal range may be reduced temporarily, and you may feel fatigued while speaking.
It is common to feel as if there is a “lump” in your throat, leading to mild pain and tightness when swallowing food or water. Most people notice improvement within 7-14 days. Most importantly, these experiences are a part of the recovery process and do not affect life expectancy after thyroid removal.
▪️Will You Need Medication?
If you have been through total thyroidectomy, you will need lifelong thyroid hormone replacement (levothyroxine) to regulate your energy levels and metabolism.
However, if you have had a lobectomy or isthmusectomy, there is a high chance that you will regain normal thyroid function and not require hormone replacement. Your doctor will monitor your TSH levels after your surgery to confirm.
Long-Term Health and Life Expectancy After Thyroid Removal
A common concern among patients is whether surgery affects longevity. The answer is reassuring.
Life expectancy after thyroid removal, including total thyroidectomy, is not shortened when managed properly.
Tips to Enhance Life Expectancy After Thyroid Removal
- Getting regular thyroid function tests (TSH, Free T4, etc.)
- Taking prescribed medication with sincerity
- Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet
- Communicating any new symptoms, such as cold intolerance, weight changes, or fatigue, to your doctor
- Attending follow-up appointments with your surgeon or endocrine specialist
How Much Does a Thyroid Surgery Cost?
The thyroid surgery cost is influenced by factors like the type of procedure, insurance coverage, hospital location, and whether it is performed inpatient or outpatient.
If you do not have insurance, thyroid surgeries can cost anywhere between $15,000 to $40,000. There may be additional expenses arising from deductibles, anesthesia, surgeon’s fees, copays, hospital stays, post-surgical care, medication, etc.
Even with commercial insurance coverage, a PubMed study found that patients pay substantial costs in the surgical management of thyroid problems. This can place a significant financial strain on your pockets. You can tackle this with flexible payment options provided by financing solutions like.
How FinanceMutual Can Help in Your Thyroid Care Journey
If the cost of a thyroid surgery feels burdensome, FinanceMutual can help you by offering customized, flexible payment options. This means you can divide the cost of thyroid surgery into smaller and manageable monthly payments and get the care you need without further delay. With FM, you can opt for better thyroid health and strengthen life expectancy after thyroid removal with accessible aftercare.
Conclusion
If you have been diagnosed with thyroid conditions such as thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules, or goiter, you will be advised to undergo thyroid surgery. Depending on your condition, your doctor will recommend one of these: total thyroidectomy, thyroid lobectomy, thyroid lobectomy with isthmusectomy, or just isthmusectomy. In such a scenario, you should know that life expectancy after thyroid removal, whether partial or complete, remains the same if you adopt strong aftercare measures. With FinanceMutual’s flexible payment plans, you can bid adieu to financial stress and say yes to faster thyroid recovery for a happier and healthier life.
FAQs
1. Is a Lobectomy the Same as a Thyroidectomy?
Not exactly. A lobectomy refers to the removal of one lobe of the thyroid gland, while a thyroidectomy usually means the removal of all or part of the thyroid gland.
2. What Is a Lobectomy?
The thyroid gland has two lobes, left and right. A thyroid lobectomy is a surgical process where one of these lobes is removed due to problems like thyroid nodules or a tumor.
3. Does Thyroid Removal Shorten Life Expectancy?
No, thyroid removal does not shorten life expectancy for the majority of patients. Thyroid removal surgeries have proved to be highly successful with excellent survival rates.
4. How Long Is a Thyroidectomy?
A typical thyroidectomy procedure takes about 1 to 2 hours. The duration of the surgery depends on the complexity of the case. You may have to stay in the hospital for several hours to recover. You may be discharged the same day or after an overnight stay.
5. Is Thyroid Surgery Covered by Insurance?
Yes, thyroid surgeries are covered by health insurance, especially when deemed necessary in cases of cancer, hyperthyroidism, goiter, or nodules. However, if you are uninsured or burdened by expenses, you can opt for easy and flexible monthly payments through services like FinanceMutual.
6. Which Factors Can Affect Life Expectancy After Thyroid Removal?
You can expect your life expectancy after thyroid removal to remain unchanged. However, if your thyroid hormone levels are inadequate or managed poorly, they will affect your energy, heart health, metabolism, and mental well-being. Existing health issues like diabetes and heart disease may also impact recovery rates.
7. What Are the Risks of Thyroid Surgery?
Thyroid surgeries are generally safe. Possible risks include:
- Voice changes
- Swallowing difficulties
- Bleeding or infection at the incision site
- Rare injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve
- Hypoparathyroidism (mostly in total thyroidectomy)