Surgery to remove all (total thyroidectomy) or part (subtotal or partial thyroidectomy) of the thyroid gland.

Thyroidectomy is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia with an incision in the front of the neck. All or part of the thyroid gland, depending on the particular procedure, is removed.

The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system and plays a major role in regulating the body's metabolism. Some diseases affect the gland by reducing its output of hormones (hypothyroidism), while others cause overproduction of hormones (hyperthyroidism).

Thyroid disorders are more common in older children and adolescents (especially in girls) than in infants. Most thyroid disorders can be treated with medication, but surgery is sometimes required.