Total thyroidectomy is a minimally invasive operation to remove all of the thyroid gland. Thyroidectomy is a common surgery, performed at a rate of 60 operations per 100,000 patients per year [1]. The thyroid is an important exocrine gland found in the neck [Figure 1]. It produces two important hormones called T3 (triidothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). These hormones are critical in controlling body temperature, heart rate and metabolic rate. However, diseases such as thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism can lead to excess amounts of T3 and T4 which can cause the following symptoms: irregular heartbeat, sweating, anxiety, weight loss and heat intolerance. Diseases of the thyroid, such as thyroid nodules, can also cause airway and oesophageal constriction making breathing and swallowing difficult, respectively. The aim of a total thyroidectomy is to improve these symptoms by removing all of the thyroid gland. It also prevents any thyroid cancer cells from spreading to other parts of the body such as the lung. Figure 1: Thyroid Gland
