Thyroid gland removed
Thyroidectomy is the removal of all or part of your thyroid gland. How much of your thyroid gland is removed during thyroidectomy depends on the reason for surgery.
- Thyroid cancer
- Enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter)
- Hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease or thyrotoxicosis)
- Thyroid nodules
Complications of thyroid gland removed
Over the past decades the mortality rate from thyroid surgery was approximately 40%. Most deaths were caused by infection and hemorrhage. Sterile surgical arenas, general anesthesia, and improved surgical techniques have made death from thyroid surgery extremely rare today. By developing a thorough understanding of thyroid anatomy and of the ways to prevent each complication, the surgeon can minimize each patient’s risk. There are a number of short-term side effects that people may experience after thyroid surgery. Most of these will be temporary, but some may persist. Common side effects beginning after surgery include:
Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting after thyroidectomy was the norm at one time, and people may be concerned if they talk with others who had this procedure in the past. Fortunately, the use of medications such as dexamethasone has greatly reduced the incidence of vomiting, and if nausea does develop, there are treatments that can alleviate your symptoms.
Neck Pain and Stiffness:The neck is put in an extended position during surgery, and many people avoid moving their necks afterward. This can lead to neck pain and stiffness. Using pain medication after surgery may reduce discomfort, making it easier for you to keep moving your neck so that you have less stiffness later on. Applying a warm compress may also help.
A Sore Throat:Thyroid surgery is often done under general anesthesia with a breathing tube placed in the windpipe to breathe for you. This can lead to a sore throat and the sensation of a lump (like something is stuck in your throat) with swallowing.
Difficulty Swallowing:Swallowing problems (dysphagia) are a common symptom after thyroid surgery, though they’re usually transient. Eating soft foods for the first few days can be helpful.
Hoarseness and Voice Problems:After surgery, your voice may be hoarse or whispery, and it may feel tiring to talk. This is very common and expected during the first week or two after surgery.
Transient Hypoparathyroidism:The four parathyroid glands lie on the back of the thyroid gland and are sometimes injured or removed during surgery. These glands are responsible for controlling the body’s calcium levels. Even when these glands are not damaged, however, roughly 5 percent of people may have temporary symptoms of a low calcium level (hypocalcemia), and this can persist for up to six months. Since it’s common for the parathyroid glands to function poorly after a thyroidectomy, you may be sent home with calcium and vitamin D supplements to use.
Hypothyroidism:People who have a total thyroidectomy will require prescription thyroid replacement therapy after their procedure.
Hematoma:Bleeding into the tissues surrounding the neck (a neck hematoma) is uncommon, but is potentially life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly. most hematomas occur within 24 hours of surgery.
Permanent Hypoparathyroidism:While temporary in some cases, hypoparathyroidism caused by the injury or removal of parathyroid glands can be permanent. As only one of the four parathyroid glands is needed to regulate calcium levels, the condition is uncommon.
Laryngeal Nerve Injury:Less than 1 percent of people having a thyroidectomy will experience damage to either the recurrent laryngeal nerve or the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve.
Infection:The risk of infection is present with any type of surgery but is relatively rare with thyroid surgery (roughly one in 2000 surgeries).
Seroma: seroma is a collection of fluid that can occur after many types of surgery. While the fluid is often reabsorbed by the body, large seromas may need to be drained.
Thyroid Storm:Thyroid storm or thyrotoxic crisis is a condition caused by very high levels of circulating thyroid hormone. It is uncommon, but when it occurs after thyroidectomy, is usually associated with Grave’s disease. Symptoms include a fever (over 102 degrees F in most people), profuse sweating, a rapid heart rate, and sometimes delirium.
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/thyroidectomy/about/pac-20385195
https://www.verywellhealth.com/recuperating-after-thyroid-surgery-3233273
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/852184-overview
