Intermediate
Technical
IVT
hemithyroidectomy
Pronunciation: HEM-ee-thigh-roy-deck-toh-mee
Surgical removal of one lobe of the thyroid gland, also called thyroid lobectomy.
Full Definition
The surgical procedure involving removal of one lobe of the thyroid gland, typically performed for unilateral thyroid disease such as follicular neoplasms or toxic adenomas. This procedure preserves thyroid function in most patients, unlike total thyroidectomy. Medical editors should note that hemithyroidectomy and thyroid lobectomy are synonymous terms, though hemithyroidectomy is more anatomically precise.
Usage
Usage note: Synonymous with thyroid lobectomy; specify right or left in documentation.
In Context
- "Right hemithyroidectomy was performed for a 3-cm follicular lesion." — Operative summary
- "Post-hemithyroidectomy TSH levels remained within normal range." — Follow-up note
Also known as
thyroid lobectomy
unilateral thyroidectomy
Contrasted with
total thyroidectomy
Don't confuse with
subtotal thyroidectomy
near-total thyroidectomy