Total thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of the entire thyroid gland. This surgery is done for benign goiters, multiple nodules, Graves’ disease and thyroid cancers. When done at a high-volume center, such as Keck Medical Center of USC, the risks are low. Some risks that can occur include voice hoarseness and hypoparathyroidism. After a total thyroidectomy, patients will require thyroid hormone supplements, in the form of a daily pill, to replace the hormone that their body would make naturally.