ABSTRACT
The first recorded thyroidectomy was attributed to Abdul Kasan Kelebis Abis in Baghdad in AD 500. Albert Theodor Billroth, one of the most prominent surgeons of his time, reduced his thyroidectomy mortality rate from 40% to 8% thanks to anaesthesia and antisepsis. During the first part of the 19th century advances were made in the understanding of the function of the thyroid gland and the role of iodine. Thyroidectomy is a benchmark procedure for surgeons, and a thorough understanding of the indications for surgery results in the ability to select the most appropriate primary operation, which is critical to maintaining excellent outcomes. The consent for thyroidectomy should include the explanation of the procedure, its rationale and the options of alternative treatments relevant to the condition. Patients without evidence of malignancy may be considered for surgery either due to benign nodular thyroid disease causing compression or cosmetic concerns, or in the setting of hyperthyroidism.
