# Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery

> Thyroid and parathyroid surgery in Istanbul: lobectomy, total thyroidectomy, neck dissection, parathyroid adenoma removal. 1–2 nights in hospital, 5–7 days’ stay.

Source: https://www.merichafizhealthtourism.com/services/thyroid-and-parathyroid-surgery/  
Updated: 2026-10-29

Surgical service line

About this service line

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the front of the neck that sets the pace of your metabolism; the four parathyroid glands behind it control calcium. Surgery is considered for thyroid cancer, suspicious or large nodules, an overactive gland that no longer responds to medication, and parathyroid adenomas that push calcium too high.

Our contracted head and neck surgeons in İstanbul perform lobectomy (removal of one lobe), total thyroidectomy and parathyroid adenoma removal, adding a neck dissection when lymph nodes are involved. Nerve monitoring is used to protect the voice, and the parathyroid glands are preserved wherever possible.

As an international patient you send your ultrasound, biopsy and blood results first. The surgeon reviews them and proposes a plan before you travel, so the visit itself can be kept short.

Medical content reviewed by

- [Prof. Dr. Ayşenur Meriç Hafız](https://www.merichafizhealthtourism.com/network/prof-dr-aysenur-meric-hafiz/) ENT & Head–Neck Surgery
- [Prof. Dr. Günter Hafız](https://www.merichafizhealthtourism.com/network/prof-dr-gunter-hafiz/) ENT & Head–Neck Surgery
- [Prof. Dr. Fatih Öktem](https://www.merichafizhealthtourism.com/network/prof-dr-fatih-oktem/) ENT — Ear, Nose & Throat

Last reviewed: 14 October 2026

## Conditions treated

- Thyroid cancer (papillary, follicular, medullary)
- Thyroid nodules and goitre
- Overactive thyroid that needs surgery
- Parathyroid adenoma and high calcium (hyperparathyroidism)
- Thyroid disease with enlarged neck lymph nodes
- Recurrent or persistent disease after earlier treatment

## Procedures performed

- Lobectomy
- Total Thyroidectomy
- Neck Dissection
- Parathyroid Adenoma Removal

## What to expect

The four stages of treatment at the contracted institution.

### The stages, in order

1. 01 Consultation and diagnostics Ultrasound of the neck, blood tests (TSH, calcium, PTH) and, where needed, a fine-needle biopsy. If you already have these, the surgeon reviews them remotely and tells you what, if anything, needs repeating in İstanbul.
2. 02 Surgery Performed under general anaesthesia through a small incision low in the neck, usually taking one to three hours. A neck dissection is added only when lymph nodes need to be removed.
3. 03 Hospital stay Most patients stay one to two nights. Calcium levels and your voice are checked before discharge, and a drain, if one was placed, is removed before you leave.
4. 04 Follow-up from home Wound review and pathology results within about a week, then any thyroid hormone or calcium adjustments coordinated with your doctor at home. Our consultants stay in contact after you return.

## Typical timeline

Hospital stay 1–2 nights

Stay in İstanbul 5–7 days

Back to desk work 1–2 weeks

Typical ranges for an uncomplicated case. Your surgeon confirms your own plan after reviewing your reports.

## Performed at

Contracted health institutions in İstanbul that work in this field.

[Prof. Dr. Ayşenur Meriç Hafız’s (Meriç) Practice ENT & Head–Neck Surgery Certificate ST-1670](https://www.merichafizhealthtourism.com/network/prof-dr-aysenur-meric-hafiz/) [Prof. Dr. Günter Hafız’s Practice ENT & Head–Neck Surgery Certificate ST-1667](https://www.merichafizhealthtourism.com/network/prof-dr-gunter-hafiz/) [Prof. Dr. Fatih Öktem’s Practice ENT — Ear, Nose & Throat Certificate ST-1434](https://www.merichafizhealthtourism.com/network/prof-dr-fatih-oktem/)

## Common questions

**Will my voice change after thyroid surgery?**

Temporary hoarseness or voice fatigue for a few weeks is common and usually settles on its own. Permanent change is uncommon: the laryngeal nerves are identified and monitored during surgery to protect them.

**Will I need to take thyroid hormone for life?**

After a total thyroidectomy, yes: a daily tablet replaces the hormone the gland produced. After a lobectomy many patients do not need it; your blood tests decide.

**When can I fly home?**

Usually five to seven days after surgery, once the wound has been checked and your calcium is stable. Your surgeon confirms the exact date before you book the return flight.

From the blog [**What Are the Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer?** Read article →](https://www.merichafizhealthtourism.com/blog/what-are-the-symptoms-of-thyroid-cancer/)

General information, not medical advice. Your treatment plan is set by the operating surgeon after reviewing your reports.

Plan your treatment

Reach us on WhatsApp or book an appointment — planning, accommodation and translation are arranged for you.

[Book Appointment](https://www.merichafizhealthtourism.com/contact/)

Send your reports first

Share your existing scans, biopsy and blood results by WhatsApp or e-mail. The surgeon reviews them and proposes a plan before you travel.

[WhatsApp · +90 533 220 39 49](https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=905332203949&text=Hello%2C%20I%20would%20like%20information%20about%20treatment%20in%20%C4%B0stanbul.)

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