Thyroid nodules that cause symptoms due to a mass effect (difficulty swallowing or breathing etc.) or excessive hormone production (hyperthyroidism) or that are worrisome for cancer often need to be surgically removed. This procedure is called a thyroid lobectomy. The half of the thyroid gland that contains the nodule is removed. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia to help control the pain and anxiety associated with surgery. This procedure is often performed as an outpatient procedure.