A thyroidectomy is a non-invasive operation traditionally performed by a small horizontal incision in the front. The complete thyroid gland, a solitary lobe, a portion of a lobe, and the isthmus or other constructions may be removed. Patients may have to take the drug levothyroxine, an oral synthesized thyroid hormone, guess it depends on the limited extent of the operation. If you are having a thyroidectomy because you have thyroid cancer, the specialist may also investigate and remove lymph nodes around your thyroid. Thyroidectomy procedures typically take one to two hours. Based on the extent of the surgery required, it may consider taking more or less time.