You’ll be taken to the operating theatre and made comfortable.
Your anaesthetist will insert a cannula into a vein for the general anaesthetic. You’ll then be positioned on the operating table, lying on your back or in the ‘beach chair’ position with your head tipped back.
What happens next depends on the type of surgery you’re having. Learn more about Types of thyroid surgery.
The surgery usually takes between 1 and 2.5 hours.
Your doctor will probably close the incision with dissolving sutures and cover it with tape.
Any tissue removed will be sent for testing.