The thyroid is an endocrine gland in the shape of a butterfly, located in the front of your neck at the base of your throat. The main function of the thyroid is to produce hormones that control bodily functions like metabolism, heart rate, breathing, body temperature, and overall growth.
A person may have a thyroid disorder in the case of:
- Excessive hormone production (hyperthyroidism) or
- Inadequate hormone production (hypothyroidism)
Such imbalanced thyroid hormone production affects your overall well-being. Additionally, thyroid diseases may involve nodules, cysts, and enlargement of the thyroid (goitre) that could be cancerous or precancerous. Depending on the nature and severity of the thyroid disorder, your doctor may recommend a thyroidectomy. The surgery involves the removal of a part of the thyroid tissue or the entire thyroid, depending d on the condition. In both cases, you can evaluate the thyroid operation price to prepare for the surgery.
Thyroid operation cost in India
The cost of a thyroidectomy or thyroid surgery is subject to variations based on several factors. The only way to get a clear estimate is to consult a doctor, let them analyse your condition, and diagnose the thyroid disease. After a proper diagnosis, the endocrinologist or thyroid surgeon will tell you about the treatment plan. Based on this, you can derive the applicable thyroid operation cost. But if you want to know the average cost, it ranges anywhere between INR 40,000 and INR 3,00,000, depending on the treatment.
Factors Influencing the Thyroid Operation Cost
As established, the thyroidectomy surgery cost depends on several factors, which include:
Type of surgery
Depending on how the thyroid gland is affected, the surgeon will recommend different treatment approaches. They are:
- Total thyroidectomy: The thyroid gland is entirely removed in a total thyroidectomy. After the procedure, you need thyroid hormone replacement (medicines) to regulate normal bodily functions.
- Hemithyroidectomy: A part of the thyroid lobe is removed to take out the nodule or cancer confined in the lobe. As only a part of the thyroid gland is surgically removed, preserving thyroid function is possible.
- Subtotal thyroidectomy: In a subtotal thyroidectomy, most of the thyroid gland is removed, leaving behind a small portion. It is done to preserve the thyroid’s function and in cases of Graves’ disease or when there is a large goitre or cancer.
Thyroidectomy may also involve lymph node dissection when thyroid cancer spreads to the lymph nodes in the neck and other connected parts. The cost is highly influenced by the extent of the thyroid removal and the technique used.
Hospital & Clinic Facility for Thyroid
Hospitals or clinics with advanced facilities, new technology, and a good record may charge more as compared to others. Hence, the type of hospital or clinic you choose influences the thyroid operation cost.
Location
Different cities across India have varied treatment infrastructure and amenities. Also, metro cities have varying medical standards compared with small cities and towns. Hence, location plays a role in the cost of surgery.
Diagnostic test for Thyroid
Before beginning the thyroid surgery, doctors diagnose your condition to determine the right treatment plan. They conduct blood tests, thyroid scans, thyroid function tests, ultrasound imaging and more, to diagnose your condition. The cost of these tests affects the overall thyroid operation price.
Surgeon Fees for Thyroid
The qualification, experience, and reputation of surgeons impact the fees they charge. Their fees are factored into the operation’s cost. Post-operative care
After the surgery, you need proper care, which involves tending to the wound, taking medications, and making follow-up appointments. Some cases may also involve a hospital stay to supervise your condition. The room rent and other expenses incurred influence the operation cost.
Operation Cost for Thyroid FAQs
Is the thyroid surgery procedure safe?
In general, thyroid surgery is a safe procedure. But as with any invasive surgical procedure, it can lead to potential complications on a case-by-case basis. Some complications include bleeding, reaction to anaesthesia, nerve injury, scarring, damage to the parathyroid gland, or recurrent laryngeal nerve.
How long does the thyroid operation last?
A thyroid operation can go on for up to one to two hours. The duration depends on the extent of thyroid removal and the technicalities involved.
When should I consult a doctor for thyroid treatment?
You should consult a doctor for thyroid treatment when you experience symptoms like:
• An uneven sleep pattern
• Unexplained weight loss or gain
• Muscle weakness
• Tremors
• Hoarse voice
• Swelling in the neck
• Constipation
• Sensitivity to heat or cold
• Unexplained anxiety
Noticing a series of the signs mentioned is cause for concern, and you should seek prompt care.
Does health insurance cover thyroid operation costs?
As thyroid surgery is a medically necessary procedure, it is covered under most health insurance plans. But some insurance providers may treat it as an exclusion or levy certain conditions for coverage. It is important to check the type of coverage to know if the medical costs of thyroid surgery are covered by medical insurance.
Can I lower the thyroid operation cost by comparing the hospitals and evaluating the surgeon’s fees?
Yes, to some extent, you can lower the cost by prudently selecting the hospital and checking the type of surgeon. But these are only a few factors that affect the price of surgery. Your condition and the type of surgery majorly contribute to the cost. So, lowering the operation cost is not entirely in your control.
