Thyroid Surgery in Singapore

Thyroid surgery is performed to remove all or part of the thyroid gland — a small, butterfly-shaped organ in the front of the neck that regulates metabolism. The procedure is most commonly done to remove thyroid nodules, goitre (enlarged thyroid), or thyroid cancer.

At The ENT Specialist Centre, our ENT surgeons perform hemithyroidectomy (partial thyroidectomy), where only one side (lobe) of the thyroid is removed, and other types of thyroid surgeries, depending on your condition.

When Is Thyroid Surgery Needed?

Thyroid surgery may be recommended when medical treatment is not effective, or when a structural or suspicious thyroid condition is detected.

Common reasons include:

  • Thyroid nodules that are large, growing, or suspicious for cancer after a biopsy.
  • Goitre (enlarged thyroid) causing pressure symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing.
  • Thyroid cancer or suspected cancer, confirmed through fine needle aspiration biopsy.
  • Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) that doesn’t respond to medication or radioactive iodine treatment.

Your ENT surgeon will assess your thyroid scans, biopsy results, and symptoms to determine whether surgery is necessary.

Types of Thyroid Surgery

There are several types of thyroid surgery, depending on how much of the gland needs to be removed:

Hemithyroidectomy (Partial Thyroidectomy)

Removal of one thyroid lobe. This is commonly done for a single thyroid nodule, small goitre, or when the diagnosis of cancer is uncertain. Most patients retain normal thyroid function after this procedure.

Total Thyroidectomy

Removal of the entire thyroid gland. This is usually recommended for confirmed thyroid cancer or multiple nodules affecting both lobes.

Near-total Thyroidectomy

Removal of almost the entire gland, leaving a small amount of tissue to protect the surrounding structures.

Preparing for Thyroid Surgery

Before thyroid surgery, patients will undergo a thorough evaluation to ensure the safest and most effective outcome. Preparation may include:

  • Neck ultrasound to assess the size and location of nodules or goitre.
  • Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB) if cancer is suspected.
  • Thyroid function tests to check hormone levels.
  • General health assessment and blood tests before anaesthesia.

Patients are usually advised to fast several hours before surgery and avoid certain medications (such as blood thinners) as instructed by the doctor.

What Happens During the Procedure

Thyroid surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity.

During a hemithyroidectomy:

  1. A small incision is made in a natural skin crease in the lower neck.
  2. The surgeon carefully removes one lobe of the thyroid while protecting nearby structures such as the recurrent laryngeal nerve (which controls the voice) and the parathyroid glands (which regulate calcium levels).
  3. The incision is closed with fine sutures, leaving a small, low-lying scar that usually heals well over time.

Most surgeries are done through a minimally invasive or small-incision approach for faster healing and better cosmetic outcomes.

Recovery After Thyroid Surgery

Most patients stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days after surgery. Recovery is usually smooth, especially after a hemithyroidectomy.

You can expect:

  • Mild neck discomfort or tightness for a few days.
  • Temporary hoarseness or sore throat from the breathing tube used during surgery.
  • Return to normal eating and light activity within a week.

Tips for recovery:

  • Keep the incision clean and dry.
  • Avoid strenuous activity for 2 weeks.
  • Attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and hormone levels.

Possible Risks and Complications

Thyroid surgery is safe and commonly performed, but as with any surgery, there are potential risks. Your surgeon will take precautions to minimise these.

Possible risks include:

  • Voice changes or hoarseness due to temporary nerve irritation.
  • Neck swelling or bleeding, which is rare.
  • Low calcium levels (more common after total thyroidectomy).
  • Infection or scarring, though scars typically fade well over time.

Most patients recover fully with minimal complications.

Thyroid Surgery Cost in Singapore

The surgeon’s fee for a thyroid surgery (hemithyroidectomy) in Singapore typically ranges from SGD 7,200 to SGD 9,500.

This estimate does not include other associated costs such as hospital charges, anaesthesia, medications, or post-operative care. The total cost may vary based on the complexity of your condition, the need for additional tests, and your insurance coverage.

For a detailed cost breakdown and advice on insurance claims or a Letter of Guarantee (LOG), please contact our clinic to discuss your treatment plan. 

Disclaimer

The content provided on The ENT Specialist Centre website is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare provider.

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