Thyroid surgery is recommended when cancerous tissues, hyperthyroidism or growths have been detected in the thyroid. While most patients can return to their daily activities within three weeks, there are possible complications and risks that can occur following surgery.
Changes in the Voice
Thyroid removal can result in changes to your voice and projection. The thyroid glands are located directly beneath the voice box, therefore it is possible that the voice will be altered following thyroid surgery or the nerves that control the voice will be injured during surgery. Voice changes are usually temporary; however, in rare instances, permanent changes can occur.
Bleeding
During surgery, it is possible to nick or perforate small blood vessels located near the thyroid gland. This can cause uncontrolled bleeding in the neck that can necessitate surgical repair. While this complications occurs in less than one percent of thyroid surgery patients, according to Columbia University Medical Center, thyroid surgery patients should be kept for observation for several hours following surgery.
Hypocalcemia
According to the University of Columbia Medical Center, one in 300 operations may result in the loss of function in the parathyroid glands. These glands control calcium levels, which means that patients whose parathyroid glands do not function should take calcium supplements as well as vitamin D on a daily basis.
Hypoparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism is damage to all four parathyroid glands. This condition can cause a variety of symptoms, such as muscle cramps, abdominal pain, cataracts, seizures or brittle nails. Medical treatments, such as medications to prevent seizures or muscle spasms, may be needed if this occurs.
Infection
As with any surgery that requires incisions, infections both inside the body and the actual incision site can occur. Viruses or bacteria can invade the body via these sites, causing redness, warmth at the incision site, fever, swelling and drainage from the incision site. While antibiotics are typically delivered intravenously during surgery, patients may also take antibiotics following surgery to prevent further infection.
Tags: following surgery, incision site, parathyroid glands, surgery patients, during surgery
