If a patient's thyroid gland is cancerous, enlarged or overactive, a doctor may choose to remove it or a portion of it. Thyroid surgery usually requires a day-long hospital stay and temporary discomfort.
Immediately After Surgery
Thyroid surgery requires anesthesia, so after the operation, the hospital staff will take the patient to a recovery room and monitor his vital signs as he regains consciousness.
In The Hospital Room
There may be a drain under the incision in the neck. The doctor usually takes this out the following morning.
How Will You Feel?
A patient's throat will be sore and his voice will be hoarse, but he will be able to eat and drink normally.
Hospital Stay
Most patients stay in the hospital for one to three days after surgery and return to all normal activity within a couple of weeks.
Long-Term Care
Most thyroidectomy patients require hormone replacement pills after surgery. The doctor will determine dosage by taking a blood test.
Tags: after surgery, Thyroid surgery
