Thyroid lobectomy

Some thyroid conditions require surgical removal of half of the thyroid gland called a thyroid lobectomy. Lobectomies may be used to treat thyroid nodules and non-cancerous thyroid tumors.

Your Texas Children’s surgeon will remove half of your child’s thyroid through an incision (precise cut) at the center of your child’s neck.  

What to expect after surgery?

Your child may be able to go home the same day as surgery. Typically, your child won’t feel pain after the first few days. In about three days he or she will able to return to school and full activity within two weeks. 

Usually after a lobectomy your child will not need to take hormone replacement medication. If tests indicate your child does need hormone replacement, your physician will prescribe a daily thyroid replacement medication, which your child will take for the rest of his or her life.