What to expect with a thyroidectomy

Getting ready for thyroid surgery

• You may need to stop taking some medications, including aspirin and other blood thinners, herbs and other supplements.
• Do not eat or drink anything for 12 hours before the surgery.

During the thyroid surgery

• An IV will be inserted in your arm or hand to give you fluids and medicine during the surgery.
• You’ll be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free of pain through the surgery.
• An incision is made in your neck along the crease in your skin.
• Half of the thyroid gland may be taken out; this is called a lobectomy, or most of the gland may be taken out called a subtotal thyroidectomy. In some cases, all of the glands is taken out called a total thyroidectomy. Your surgeon may not know how much to take until the surgery.
• The incision is then closed with surgical strips, clips or stitches. A thin tube may be left in the incision to help remove fluid that can build up.

After the thyroid surgery

• It may take a few hours for the anesthesia to wear off. You'll get up and walk around soon after the surgery, and you'll be monitored for bleeding.
• You may spend some time staying in the hospital or surgery center after the surgery.
• In most cases, you can eat and drink the evening after surgery, and you may still have nausea from the anesthesia.
• You'll be given medicine to help manage the pain if needed.
• You'll be tested to make sure your parathyroid glands are still working; the stress of surgery may stop them from working for a short time. If this happens, you may be given calcium pills for a few days.
• You may have a sore throat and a hoarse voice for a week or so after the surgery.