Dr Ali Rizvi FRACS – Specialist Hemithyroidectomy Surgeon with 20+ Years Experience, Providing Expert Partial Thyroidectomy and Thyroid Lobectomy Across Leading Sydney Hospitals
Dr Ali Rizvi is a Sydney-based specialist surgeon providing expert hemithyroidectomy (partial thyroidectomy) and thyroid lobectomy across leading Sydney hospitals. With over 20 years of surgical experience, he delivers safe, precise, and personalised treatment tailored to each patient.
A hemithyroidectomy, also known as a partial thyroidectomy or thyroid lobectomy, is a surgical procedure in which only one lobe of the thyroid gland is removed. Preserving the other lobe often allows your thyroid to continue functioning normally, reducing the need for lifelong hormone replacement.
Patients choose hemithyroidectomy when one thyroid lobe has a nodule, benign growth, or low-risk cancer that requires removal while keeping the rest of the gland intact. Dr Ali Rizvi combines expertise, precision, and patient-centred care to ensure optimal outcomes and minimal disruption to your life.
The thyroid gland regulates:
Metabolism
Energy levels
Heart rate
Body temperature
It is divided into two lobes, one on each side of the neck. Because of its proximity to the vocal cord nerves and parathyroid glands, thyroid surgery requires specialised skill to maintain function and safety.
A hemithyroidectomy removes one thyroid lobe while leaving the opposite lobe intact. Also called a right or left hemithyroidectomy, this surgery is performed under general anaesthesia through a low neck incision, carefully designed along natural skin creases for minimal scarring.
Preserves thyroid function in many patients
Reduces risk of lifelong hormone therapy
Lower complication rates compared to total thyroidectomy
Hemithyroidectomy is typically recommended for:
Indeterminate thyroid nodules confined to one lobe
Bethesda III-IV cytology results: atypia or follicular neoplasm
Solitary benign nodules causing discomfort or cosmetic concern
Unilateral goitre causing compressive symptoms
Selected low-risk thyroid cancers restricted to one lobe
Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) is the primary diagnostic tool, but sometimes surgery is required for definitive diagnosis when FNA cannot confirm benign versus malignant disease.
Assessment for hemithyroidectomy includes:
Clinical examination
Thyroid ultrasound
Blood tests (TSH, T4)
Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)
Multidisciplinary team discussion if cancer is suspected
Most patients require a referral from a GP or endocrinologist
Blood tests, ultrasound, or biopsy results are usually needed before the first consultation
Private treatment offers shorter wait times and surgeon choice
Access to accredited hospitals across Sydney, including South West Sydney
Personalised pre-op and post-op care plans
Costs vary depending on hospital, insurance, and procedure complexity
Clear cost estimates provided before surgery
Private health insurance may cover part of the procedure
Understanding how to prepare for hemithyroidectomy surgery helps you feel confident and ready for the procedure.
Before surgery, you will undergo a thorough evaluation to ensure it is safe to proceed. This typically includes:
Clinical examination
Thyroid ultrasound
Blood tests (TSH and thyroid hormone levels)
Review of Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) results
Anaesthetic assessment
If cancer is suspected, your case may be discussed in a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting.
You will be advised about:
Blood thinners (which may need temporary adjustment)
Thyroid medications
Herbal supplements
Always inform your surgeon of all medications and supplements you take.
You will receive clear instructions regarding:
When to stop eating
When to stop drinking fluids
This is usually required from midnight before surgery, but exact timing will be confirmed by your hospital.
Relevant medical documents
Medication list
Comfortable loose clothing
Support person to drive you home
Most hemithyroidectomy procedures are day surgery or require one overnight stay.
It is normal to feel anxious before thyroid surgery. Many patients worry about:
Voice changes
Scarring
Needing lifelong medication
With hemithyroidectomy, the risk of permanent voice injury is low, and many patients maintain normal thyroid function without medication.
Your surgical team will explain the procedure, answer questions, and ensure you feel informed and supported.
Shower as instructed
Remove nail polish and jewellery
Get adequate rest
Arriving well-rested and informed helps your recovery begin smoothly.
Step-by-step approach:
Horizontal low-neck incision in a natural skin crease
Careful removal of the affected thyroid lobe
Identification and protection of the recurrent laryngeal nerve
Preservation of parathyroid glands on the operated side
No routine drains; cosmetic closure
Additional notes:
Right or left hemithyroidectomy depends on the lobe affected
Sometimes, the isthmus is removed for complete clearance
Surgery duration: 1–3 hours
Usually day-only or overnight stay
Voice assessment immediately post-surgery
Calcium disturbance rare compared to total thyroidectomy
Light activity within days; desk work within 1–2 weeks
Life after partial thyroidectomy: Many patients return to normal thyroid function without medication. Blood tests monitor thyroid hormone levels post-operatively.
Completion thyroidectomy: Rarely, if cancer is identified, the remaining lobe may be removed based on final pathology.
Risks are generally lower than total thyroidectomy:
Temporary voice changes due to nerve irritation
Neck haematoma or bleeding (rare)
Infection or scarring
Permanent complications are uncommon
Many patients do not require thyroid hormone replacement. Blood tests monitor thyroid function.
Most procedures take 1–3 hours depending on the lobe and complexity.
The isthmus may be removed to ensure full clearance of nodules or low-risk cancers.
Temporary discomfort, mild swelling, and light activity restrictions. Voice and calcium are monitored; most patients resume normal life quickly.
Complications are uncommon when performed by an experienced thyroid surgeon. Risks include bleeding, infection, voice changes, and calcium imbalance.
Temporary hoarseness can occur after thyroid surgery. Permanent voice injury is rare when surgery is performed by an experienced specialist.
Removing only one lobe reduces risks and avoids lifelong medication when disease is confined to one side.
Most patients resume light activity within a few days and return to normal routines within 1–2 weeks.
Arrange a consultation with Dr Ali Rizvi to:
Review your ultrasound, Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA), and blood test results
Discuss whether hemithyroidectomy (partial thyroidectomy) is the most appropriate treatment
Understand the differences between hemithyroidectomy and total thyroidectomy
Receive a personalised surgical plan tailored to your diagnosis
Dr Ali Rizvi provides expert hemithyroidectomy surgery in Sydney, with a focus on surgical precision, voice preservation, optimal cosmetic healing, and long-term thyroid health.
Clear communication, careful assessment, and patient-centred care guide every step of your treatment journey.
Visit our Surgery in Sydney page to explore all procedures offered by Dr Ali Rizvi and learn how we can help you with your surgical care.
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