What is the thyroid gland?
It is a single gland with two lobes. It is one of the major endocrine glands, located in the anterior part of the neck.
What is the function of the thyroid glands?
It produces thyroid hormone and other hormones which are very important to maintain body metabolism and growth.
Why did my doctor recommend Thyroidectomy?
Your doctor will discuss with you the decision for Thyroidectomy and may offer the procedure in case of thyroid gland swelling or malignancy.
How is Thyroidectomy procedure done?
It is done under general aesthesia, through a cut on the anterior part of the neck, the cut will be done with the normal creases of the skin to reduce the formation of a deep scar after surgery, it will take 1.5-2 hours with 2-4 days admission.
Possible complication?
Hypocalcemia (low Calcium level in the blood): The most common cause of airway obstruction after 24 hours.
Hematoma: The most common cause of airway obstruction within 24 hours.
Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury: usually causes unilateral damage, stridor, hoarseness
Wound infection
What to expect after your surgery?
Pain is expected after surgery and it may last for the first few days. It is usually controlled with pain medicine.
You will have a drain (a small bag) in the site of the surgery to collect blood or secretion, and the doctor will remove it after 2-4 days depending on the amount of fluid collected.
A pressure dressing will be applied after surgery to avoid fluid collection in the wound, it might be a little uncomfortable, you can always inform your doctor and nurse.
Your doctor will examine your voice box after surgery to assess the mobility of your vocal cords.
You will be able to eat and drink normally after the surgery.
You will stay in the hospital for 2-4 days and you can go home after the doctor remove the drain.
The suture will be removed after 7 days.
The result of the tissue will be ready after 10-14 days, your doctor will discuss the result with you on your appointment.
In case of total thyroidectomy, you will be started on thyroid hormone tablets daily
Written card with your appointments will be given before you go home
At Home:
Take your medication on time (especially thyroid hormone tablet after total thyroidectomy)
Sleep in a normal position
You can eat normal diet.
always Keep the area of surgery dry.
You can drive normally unless you feel dizzy and unsteady.
Avoid heavy exercise in the first 2 weeks
** when to come to emergency: (Hamad general hospital)
In case of swelling at the site of the surgery or breathing difficulty go IMMEDIATELY to HAMAD emergency
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