A patient diagnosed with goiter will most likely undergo which surgical procedure?

The most likely surgical procedure for a patient diagnosed with goiter is a total thyroidectomy. This procedure involves the complete removal of the thyroid gland and is often indicated in cases of a goiter when there is significant enlargement of the gland, compression of surrounding structures, or suspicion of malignancy.

Total thyroidectomy is typically chosen for patients with conditions that could lead to complications or those with larger goiters that may contribute to obstructive symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing or breathing due to pressure effects from the enlarged thyroid. In cases where the goiter is associated with hyperthyroidism or multinodular goiter, removing the entire thyroid can help manage these symptoms effectively and prevent recurrence.

In contrast, procedures like subtotal thyroidectomy, thyroid lobectomy, and hemithyroidectomy involve the removal of only a portion of the thyroid gland and may not be sufficient in addressing the underlying issues related to a large or symptomatic goiter. These surgeries might be appropriate for particular cases where the goiter is smaller or when malignancy is not a concern. Thus, total thyroidectomy stands out as the most appropriate choice for managing a significant goiter in a patient.