THYROID

WHAT HAPPENS DURING SURGERY?​

​​

Depending on your diagnosis, surgery involves removing either one lobe of the thyroid (a lobectomy, also called a hemithyroidectomy) or the whole gland (a total thyroidectomy). It's performed under general anaesthetic through a small incision positioned low in the neck, within a natural skin crease — kept as small as safely possible, typically around 4-6cm, so that it fades well as it heals.

​

Two structures need particular care during thyroid surgery: the recurrent laryngeal nerves, which control the voice box, and the parathyroid glands, which regulate calcium levels. Mr Dale uses intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring as standard, a technique that confirms the nerve is functioning correctly at key points during the operation, and operates using surgical magnification (loupes) throughout for precise, meticulous dissection around both the nerve and the parathyroid glands. The wound is closed with dissolvable sutures beneath the skin, so there are no stitches to have removed afterwards. An overnight stay in hospital is required, and the majority of people are discharged home the day after surgery.  

​

​

RISKS AND POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

​

Overall risk is low, and Mr Dale will discuss the specific risks relevant to your case at consultation. These include:

​

• Voice change or hoarseness, from irritation or, rarely, injury to a recurrent laryngeal nerve — most cases are temporary and settle within weeks to months; permanent voice change is uncommon, and nerve monitoring is used specifically to reduce this risk

• Low calcium levels (hypocalcaemia), from disturbance to the parathyroid glands — more relevant after a total thyroidectomy, and usually managed with a short course of calcium and vitamin D supplements while the glands recover

• Bleeding or a collection of blood beneath the skin (haematoma) — uncommon, but the reason you're monitored closely in the hours after surgery

• Infection — uncommon

• A visible scar — usually fades well given the incision's position in a natural skin crease, though individual healing varies

• An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) requiring lifelong thyroxine replacement — certain after a total thyroidectomy, and possible after a lobectomy depending on how the remaining thyroid tissue functions

 

RECOVERY ​

 

Most patients stay in hospital overnight for observation, occasionally as a day case for a straightforward lobectomy. Practical guidance for the days after surgery:

 

• The wound is closed with dissolvable sutures beneath the skin — there's nothing to have removed, and a dressing or steri-strips are usually left in place for the first few days

• Keep the wound clean and dry initially; most patients can shower normally after 48 hours

• Contact the ward at The Spire Hospital Bristol if you notice increasing swelling, difficulty breathing, or spreading redness around the wound

• Once healed, gentle scar massage or a silicone gel, can help the scar settle

• A follow-up appointment is arranged 4 weeks post-operatively to review the pathology results. A thyroid function test is performed 6 weeks after surgery by your GP. 

• Most people manage light activity within a few days and return to non-strenuous work within 1-2 weeks

​

FEES

​

Private thyroid surgery typically costs in the region of £6,000-£9,000 depending on the extent of surgery, in addition to a separate consultation fee (£275-£300) and nasal endoscopy (£285) to check the vocal cords pre-operatively. A full, itemised quote covering surgeon, hospital and anaesthetist fees is provided after your consultation and any scans.

​

TRAVELLING FOR TREATMENT

 

Patients travel from Bristol, Bath and across the UK for thyroid surgery with a fellowship-trained head & neck surgeon. The Spire Hospital, Bristol is close to the M4/M5 interchange and around 20 minutes from Bristol Temple Meads, with direct trains from London, Cardiff and Birmingham. 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

​

Will I be left with a visible scar?

The incision is small and positioned low in the neck within a natural skin crease, so it typically fades well and becomes far less noticeable over the following months.

​

Will I need to take thyroid hormone tablets afterwards?

If your whole thyroid is removed, yes — lifelong thyroxine replacement is required and straightforward to manage. After a lobectomy, the remaining half of the gland is often enough, though some patients still need supplementation.

​

How long is the recovery and when can I return to work?

Most people return to normal, non-strenuous activity within 1-2 weeks. People often experience a sense of tightness in the front part of the neck following surgery which usually settles down after 4-6 weeks. Two weeks off work is recommended after the operation.

​

Does nerve monitoring guarantee I won't have voice problems?

No technique can eliminate the risk entirely, but nerve monitoring is a recognised safety measure that helps confirm nerve function during surgery and is used as standard for all of Mr Dale's thyroid cases.

​

Do I need a GP referral to see Mr Dale?

No — you can self-refer directly for a private consultation. If you have private medical insurance, check with your insurer whether they require a GP referral letter for their own claims process.

​

How soon can I be seen?

Private consultations are typically available within 1-2 weeks, with surgery arranged shortly after your assessment and any scans.

​

Does private medical insurance cover thyroid surgery?

Most major insurers cover thyroid surgery where there's a clinical indication, subject to your policy terms. Mr Dale's secretary can advise on working with your insurer, or provide a self-pay quote if you don't have cover.​​​