Hyperthyroidism is a syndrome characterized by the excess synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. This condition leads to the hypermetabolic condition known as thyrotoxicosis. The most common form of hyperthyroidism is diffuse toxic goiter (Graves or Basedow disease). Other forms include toxic multinodular goiter and solitary toxic nodule (toxic adenoma), which are also known as Plummer disease. The management of hyperthyroidism is based on three treatment modalities which include therapy with antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine, or surgical methods. Surgical intervention is warranted where the disease has proved refractory to other forms of management. There are several surgical techniques in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Lobectomy involves removing one lobe of the thyroid gland, sometimes with the isthmus. This is predominantly the treatment of choice in the management of solitary toxic nodules. The opposite option is total thyroidectomy, which means removing all of the thyroid gland and is regarded as the surgical procedure of choice for Graves disease and toxic multi-nodular goiter. The other possibilities are subtotal thyroidectomy and near-total thyroidectomy. Subtotal thyroidectomy is removal of more than half of both lobes including the isthmus. Near-total thyroidectomy is a procedure where one lobe and the isthmus are removed with resection of at least 90% of the other lobe. These two surgical methods, as well as lobectomy, are performed with the aim to maintain euthyroidism without the need for thyroxine replacement. Although a total thyroidectomy leads to hypothyroidism and the need for lifelong thyroxine treatment, it is usually the preferred choice, because of almost no chance of disease relapse. Surgery plays an important role in the management of hyperthyroidism and therefore should be considered an integral component of treatment.