Thyroid surgery, also known as a thyroidectomy, involves removing part or all of the thyroid gland due to nodules, cancer or other thyroid disorders. It’s important to know what to expect afterward so you know how to best care for your body while recovering.
The thyroid gland is a part of the body’s endocrine system. It’s small, shaped like a butterfly and located at the front of your neck, just above your collarbones. The thyroid gland is responsible for hormones that play a role in many functions, including metabolism, heart rate, body temperature and more.
After thyroid surgery, it’s normal to experience some pain or discomfort as you heal. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions to help you know what to expect in the hours, days and months after your surgery.
- When can I go home?
During surgery, you’ll be placed under general anesthesia and you will likely be able to go home the same day of your procedure. You’ll need to have a family member or friend available to drive you home. - What will my incision look like?
Your incision site will likely be small – no more than a few inches long. You may experience some neck pain or voice hoarseness after the surgery, but this usually goes away in a few days.
Your incision site will be on the front of your neck and will likely fade over a year. Be sure to follow your doctor’s orders to care for your incision to reduce the risk of infection. Once your incision has healed, using sunscreen and vitamin E oil can be helpful to reduce scarring. - When can I go back to work, school or other activities?
Your surgeon will give you instructions on returning to work and other activities. Generally, you’ll need to wait at least a week before doing any heavy lifting or strenuous activities. - What medications will I need to take after surgery?
You’ll be prescribed pain relievers after your surgery to take as needed. Your surgeon or nurse will give you more information about pain management.
About six weeks after your surgery, you’ll have bloodwork done to check your thyroid hormone levels to see if any adjustments are needed to your thyroid medication.
You may also have your calcium levels monitored and be prescribed a calcium supplement if needed. The parathyroid glands are located immediately next to the thyroid and are responsible for your body’s calcium levels. If your parathyroid glands are damaged in any way, a calcium supplement may be prescribed while your parathyroid glands adjust.
Choosing the Right Care Team
Hearing that you need surgery can be scary. Fortunately, thyroid surgery has a high success rate with low complications. Choosing a compassionate and experienced surgeon can give you even more confidence in your treatment plan for your thyroid condition. If you or a loved one needs thyroid surgery, the care team at NGPG General Surgery is here to help and answer any questions you may have. Call (770) 219-9200 to schedule an appointment or learn more about thyroid surgery.