Thyroid surgery: are there any risks?

In one of our latest articles here, revered consultant thyroid and endocrine surgeon, Miss Aimee Di Marco, details what thyroid surgery involves, when it is required, and what recovery time entails for patients who have undergone thyroid surgery. 

What exactly does thyroid surgery consist of?

Thyroid surgery is generally performed on patients who have thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules, and patients who have overactivity of their thyroid gland. Typical thyroid surgeries would typically include either removal of all of the thyroid gland or part of the thyroid gland.

When is thyroid surgery required?

It's required for patients who have a growth of the thyroid and when patients suffer from symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and tightness around the neck and throat area. Surgery is also required for patients who have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Patients with an overactive thyroid may require surgery in cases where they are not suitable for radiotherapy. 

What are the main potential risks of thyroid surgery?

The first thing to consider in terms of a potential risk is that thyroid surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. The thyroid has to be removed through a scar in the neck, and there will be a visible scar which can be prone to get infected and bruise. 

The thyroid gland is located right under the voice box, and the nerves to the voice box travel in close proximity to the thyroid. It is critical that all of the voice box nerves are preserved after thyroid surgery so the patient can have a normal functioning voice. 

Another thing to consider is that patients who undergo thyroid surgery will be required to take thyroid hormone supplementation. Patients may also need to take calcium supplementation.

What should patients be aware of in relation to thyroid surgery?

I like my patients to be aware of the condition they have, why surgery is recommended for them, how it can benefit them, and what to expect from the recovery period. 

What is recovery time like?

There is individual variation. The vast majority only require a one-night stay in hospital after thyroid surgery for monitoring. It's normal to have a sore throat, soreness in the front of the neck, and soreness and stiffness in the neck muscles. These symptoms can be managed effectively with standard painkillers. 

Patients will be able to speak as normal after thyroid surgery, albeit with a sore throat as a result of the breathing tube. There is no particular diet that they have to follow after surgery, and they can eat as normal. 

To schedule in an appointment with Miss Aimee Di Marco, simply visit her Top Doctors profile today.