Isthmusectomy
Removal of just the isthmus - the narrow strip of thyroid tissue connecting the two lobes.
An isthmusectomy is a limited thyroid operation in which only the isthmus - the narrow bridge of thyroid tissue joining the right and left lobes - is removed, along with any pyramidal lobe extending from it.
It is performed specifically when a nodule or small thyroid cancer is located in the isthmus and both lobes appear healthy. Because only a small amount of tissue is removed, both lobes are preserved and thyroid function is usually maintained without hormone replacement.
Isthmusectomy is a shorter, less complex operation than hemithyroidectomy or total thyroidectomy, with a lower risk of disturbing the recurrent laryngeal nerves and the parathyroid glands. Recovery is generally faster.
Long-term thyroid function monitoring is still recommended after isthmusectomy, as with any thyroid surgery, to ensure the remaining gland continues to work well.
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