Private Total Thyroidectomy In The South West
Safe, specialist surgery to remove the thyroid gland and protect your long-term health
Fixed-Price Package
Our fixed-price package for private total thyroidectomy combines NHS clinical standards with enhanced access and personalised support.
Your package includes:
- Pre-operative assessment and routine diagnostics
- Personalised treatment plan
- Surgery under general anaesthetic (one-night hospital stay usually required)
- Care plan with medication and recovery advice
- Follow-up appointment at 2 – 3weeks
£ Available On Enquiry
Performed by experienced head and neck surgeons, this procedure removes the entire thyroid gland to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and allow accurate diagnosis where needed.
We provide shorter waiting times, personalised care plans, and full aftercare—delivered within a trusted NHS hospital environment.
Our private service offers
- Highly trained and experienced NHS head and neck surgeons
- Reduced waiting times for consultation and surgery
- Modern, fully equipped NHS operating theatres
- All profits reinvested into NHS facilities and patient care
Consultation:
within 7–10 days*
To Procedure:
typically within 2–6 weeks*
Fixed-price package
Our fixed-price package for private total thyroidectomy combines NHS clinical standards with enhanced access and personalised support.
Your package includes:
- Pre-operative assessment and routine diagnostics
- Personalised treatment plan
- Surgery under general anaesthetic (one-night hospital stay usually required)
- Care plan with medication and recovery advice
- Follow-up appointment at 2 – 3weeks
£ Available On Enquiry
Pricing Breakdown Illustration
What's Included
One-to-One Consultation
You will meet one of our experienced consultant endocrine surgeons to review your medical history, any scans or biopsy results and discuss any symptoms such as neck swelling, difficulty swallowing, or changes in your voice. Your consultant will explain the operation, outline risks and benefits, and agree a tailored treatment plan.
Procedure Scheduling
Once your treatment plan is confirmed, we will schedule surgery at a convenient time, ensuring rapid access while maintaining NHS-level safety standards.
Pre-Operative Assessment
Before surgery you will attend a pre-assessment where your medical history is reviewed and any required tests are carried out, such as blood tests (including thyroid hormone levels and calcium), ECG, or ultrasound imaging. You will also meet the anaesthetic team to ensure you are fully prepared.
Procedure
Total thyroidectomy is performed under a general anaesthetic, which means you will be asleep (unconscious) during your surgery. Your surgeon makes a small, horizontal incision at the base of the neck to remove the entire thyroid gland. Great care is taken to protect nearby structures, including the recurrent laryngeal nerves (which control the vocal cords) and the parathyroid glands (which help regulate calcium). The procedure typically takes 90–120 minutes, and most patients stay one night for monitoring.
Initial Recovery and Follow-Up
It is normal to have mild neck discomfort and a sore throat for a few days after surgery, which can be managed with over the counter pain relief. You may experience some temporary voice changes or mild swallowing difficulty but usually improve within a few weeks. We will provide detailed advice on wound care, activity levels, and medication. Follow-up appointments ensure your recovery is on track and allow for pathology review of the removed gland.
Recovery
Most people can return to desk work and light activities within 1–2 weeks. Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for around 2–3 weeks or as advised by your surgeon.
Your Total Thyroidectomy Pathway
1. Enquiry or Referral
2. Consultation
3. Pre-Operative Assessment
4. Surgery
5. Recovery and Follow-Up
Meet Our Total Thyroidectomy Specialists
Consultant ENT, Head, Neck and Thyroid Surgeon
MD, FRCS (ORL-HNS), DOHNS, MBChB, BMedSc
Total Thyroidectomy FAQs
What Is A Total Thyroidectomy?
A total thyroidectomy is an operation to remove the entire thyroid gland. It is recommended for conditions such as thyroid cancer, large goitre causing pressure symptoms, multiple nodules, or Graves’ disease that is not well controlled with medication.
Why Might I Need A Total Thyroidectomy?
Your consultant may recommend a total thyroidectomy if:
- You have confirmed or suspected thyroid cancer
- You have a large goitre causing swallowing or breathing difficulties
- You have multiple thyroid nodules with abnormal results
- You have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) not controlled by other treatments
Will I Need A GP Referral For A Total Thyroidectomy?
No. You don’t need a GP referral, however copies of previous test results can be helpful.
What Tests Are Required Before Total Thyroidectomy Surgery?
You may need blood tests (thyroid hormone levels, calcium levels), ultrasound imaging, and in some cases a fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Your consultant will advise if further scans or a laryngoscopy (to check vocal cord function) are needed.
How Long Will I Stay In Hospital Following Total Thyroidectomy Surgery?
Most patients stay one night to monitor calcium levels and ensure there are no complications. Occasionally, a longer stay may be recommended.
Will I Need To Take Thyroid Medication Following Total Thyroidectomy Surgery?
Yes. Because the whole thyroid is removed, you will need lifelong thyroid hormone replacement tablets (levothyroxine) to maintain normal hormone levels. Your consultant will arrange regular blood tests to fine-tune the dose.
Is Total Thyroidectomy Surgery Painful?
You will be under a general anaesthetic, so you will not feel anything during surgery. Post-operative discomfort is generally mild and managed with simple painkillers.
Are There Any Risks For Total Thyroidectomy Surgery?
Complications are rare but may include bleeding, infection, temporary or permanent voice changes, or low calcium levels if the parathyroid glands are affected. Your surgeon will discuss these risks in detail.
When Can I Return To Work And Normal Activities After Total Thyroidectomy Surgery?
Most people return to desk-based work after 2 weeks of recovery. You should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for about 2–3 weeks, or until your surgeon advises.
When Can I Drive Following Total Thyroidectomy Surgery?
You may drive once you feel comfortable turning your head and are no longer taking strong pain relief, for most people this is usually within a few days.