Can thyroid nodules be removed without having to remove the thyroids?

No,... and yes: Most thyroid nodules don't need to be removed. Nodules larger than 1cm need to be needle biopsied. If they are suspicious for cancer, the nodule, and that lobe of the thyroid are removed. If cancer is found, the entire thyroid is removed. Large bulky nodules in a large goiter are sometimes removed. Rarely alcohol is injected into a nodule to remove it, or ablate it. This is unusual.

Not usually: We do not recommend removing just the nodule. The recurrence risk is high and the secondary operation is more dangerous due to scarring. Typically we remove one half of the thyroid (lobectomy) or the whole thing (total thyroidectomy) depending on the specific pathology.