Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
lobectomy
Pronunciation: loh-BEK-toh-mee
Surgical removal of one lobe of an organ, commonly referring to thyroid lobectomy.
Full Definition
In endocrine surgery, lobectomy most commonly refers to removal of one thyroid lobe along with the isthmus. This procedure is indicated for unilateral thyroid nodules, follicular neoplasms, or low-risk thyroid cancers confined to one lobe. Thyroid lobectomy preserves function of the contralateral lobe, potentially avoiding the need for lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy. The procedure carries lower risks than total thyroidectomy but may require completion thyroidectomy if malignancy is discovered.
Usage
Usage note: Specify 'thyroid lobectomy' when context is not clear; distinguish from lobectomy of other organs.
In Context
- "Right thyroid lobectomy was performed for a 3-cm follicular neoplasm." — Operative report
- "Lobectomy is the preferred surgical approach for low-risk thyroid nodules under 4 cm." — Treatment guideline
Also known as
hemithyroidectomy
unilateral thyroidectomy
Contrasted with
total thyroidectomy
Don't confuse with
isthmectomy
partial thyroidectomy