How long is recovery from thyroid nodule surgery?
Most people are ready to return home within one day of surgery, but take off about two weeks from work to recover. You’ll need to refrain from heavy lifting or other tasks that can strain your neck for up to three weeks after your surgery.
Should I have my thyroid nodule removed?
Even a benign growth on your thyroid gland can cause symptoms. If a thyroid nodule is causing voice or swallowing problems, your doctor may recommend treating it with surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland.
Is thyroid nodule removal a major surgery?
A thyroidectomy is a common but major surgery with serious risks and potential complications. There may be less invasive treatment options available to you.
What happens after a thyroid nodule is removed?
If your entire thyroid is removed, your body can’t make thyroid hormone. Without replacement, you’ll develop signs and symptoms of underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Therefore, you’ll need to take a pill every day that contains the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Synthroid, Unithroid, others).
How painful is thyroid surgery?
Pain at the incision is minimal (most liken it to a sore throat), and patients generally require only mild pain medication (for example, acetaminophen) by the first day after the operation. It may be more comfortable to eat soft foods for a few days.
How long do you stay in hospital after thyroid surgery?
After thyroid surgery, you will probably stay in hospital for one or two nights to recover from surgery. Your neck wound will be closed with stitches, adhesive strips or small clips. Your nursing team will talk to you about how to care for your surgical wound site once you go home to prevent it becoming infected.
How painful is thyroid removal?
Typically, there is not a lot of pain involved with thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Rarely narcotic pain medication will be required, but it will be available to you if needed. Most patients only need acetaminophen (Tylenol) for discomfort.
What are the long term effects of thyroid removal?
What Are the Side Effects of Removing Your Thyroid?
- Tingling in the fingers that can progress to tremors.
- Spasms in all muscles of the body, including the heart and muscles surrounding the lungs.
- Low calcium levels (hypocalcemia)