What Qualifies as a High Volume Thyroid Surgeon?

If you’re preparing for thyroid surgery, one of the most important decisions you can make is choosing the right surgeon. But how do you know if your surgeon is truly experienced? You’ve probably heard the term “high volume thyroid surgeon,” but what does that really mean? How many thyroid surgeries per year qualify as high volume—and why does it matter?

In this post, we’ll break it all down and explain why the number of thyroid surgeries your surgeon performs each year can dramatically impact your outcome.

What Does “High Volume” Actually Mean?

The term “high volume thyroid surgeon” is often used loosely. Some hospitals or physicians may claim to be high volume if they perform 50 or even 100 thyroid surgeries per year. While that may sound impressive, research shows that the true threshold for significantly improved patient outcomes is much higher.

At the Clayman Thyroid Center, our surgeons perform over 2,000 thyroid operations every year—far more than what most would consider high volume. In fact, most general surgeons perform fewer than 10 thyroid surgeries annually.

So, what qualifies as a high volume thyroid surgeon? Studies suggest that:

• Surgeons who perform more than 25 thyroid surgeries per year begin to show better outcomes.
• 100+ per year is considered high volume in some medical literature.
• However, the best results are consistently seen in those who perform several hundred or more per year.

The bottom line: the higher the volume, the better the outcomes.

Why Surgical Volume Matters

Choosing a high volume thyroid surgeon isn’t just about peace of mind—it’s about minimizing risk and maximizing results. Here's why:

1. Lower Complication Rates

One of the biggest risks of thyroid surgery is damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which controls your vocal cords. Another concern is hypoparathyroidism, which can occur if the parathyroid glands are damaged or removed unintentionally. These complications are far less likely when surgery is performed by a high volume thyroid surgeon who has honed their technique through repetition.

2. Higher Cure Rates for Thyroid Cancer

Accurate removal of thyroid cancer—and identification of whether it has spread to lymph nodes—requires experience. A high volume thyroid surgeon is more likely to properly stage and treat the cancer in one operation, rather than requiring additional surgeries later.

3. Faster, Safer Surgery

Surgeons who perform thousands of thyroid surgeries have developed efficient, precise techniques that reduce the time under anesthesia, minimize tissue trauma, and speed up recovery.

4. Better Cosmetic Outcomes

An experienced thyroid surgeon will make smaller, cleaner incisions and be more skilled in scar placement and closure, leading to a more aesthetically pleasing result.

5. More Accurate Diagnosis and Tailored Treatment

Not all thyroid nodules or cancers are alike. A high volume thyroid surgeon has seen thousands of cases and can more accurately interpret your ultrasound, biopsy results, and imaging—leading to the right treatment plan for your individual case.

Why Experience Matters More Than Ever

The thyroid gland is small, but the stakes are high. It sits in a complex area of the neck, near critical nerves, blood vessels, and the parathyroid glands. Even a small mistake can lead to permanent complications like voice changes, difficulty swallowing, or lifelong dependence on calcium supplements.

Unfortunately, many patients don’t realize that their surgeon may have limited experience with thyroid operations. Hospitals don’t always make this information easy to find.

That’s why asking about surgical volume is so important. Don’t be afraid to ask your surgeon:

• How many thyroid surgeries do you perform each year?
• What is your complication rate?
• How many of those surgeries involve thyroid cancer?
• Do you routinely perform central or lateral neck dissections if needed?

The Clayman Thyroid Center: The World’s Leading High Volume Thyroid Surgeons

At the Clayman Thyroid Center, thyroid surgery is our specialty. Our entire team of surgeons is dedicated exclusively to the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disease, including thyroid nodules, goiters, and cancer.

• We perform over 2,000 thyroid operations per year.
• We operate on patients from all 50 states and more than 30 countries.
• Our surgeons are widely regarded as the most experienced thyroid surgeons in the world.

Because we focus only on thyroid surgery, we’ve built a process that delivers consistently exceptional outcomes, low complication rates, and high patient satisfaction.

Why Travel for a High Volume Thyroid Surgeon?

Even if there’s a local hospital or ENT near you, it’s worth considering travel to see a true high volume thyroid surgeon. For most people, thyroid surgery is a once-in-a-lifetime event—and it’s not something to leave to chance.

With our streamlined evaluation and scheduling process, most of our patients are evaluated and operated on the same day, making it easy for those traveling from out of state.

Final Thoughts: What Qualifies as a High Volume Thyroid Surgeon?

If your surgeon performs 25 to 50 thyroid surgeries per year, they may be more experienced than average—but it doesn’t mean they’re truly high volume. For the best outcomes, shortest recovery, and highest cure rates, look for a dedicated thyroid surgeon who performs hundreds or even thousands of thyroid surgeries each year.

Additional Resources

• Become our patient by filling out the form at this link. 
• Learn more about The Clayman Thyroid Center here. 
• Learn more about our sister surgeons at the Scarless Thyroid Surgery Center, Norman Parathyroid Center, and Carling Adrenal Center
• Learn more about the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery.