How long does a thyroidectomy operation take

What You Need to Know Thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules and other conditions may require thyroidectomy. Why might I need a thyroidectomy? What are the risks of thyroidectomy? Voice changes, such as hoarseness Sore throat Bleeding and blood clots Adhesions or scar tissue that require another surgery Injury to the esophagus or trachea windpipe Hypoparathyroidism too little parathyroid hormone, which can result in abnormally low blood calcium levels.

What happens during a thyroidectomy? Before the Procedure The doctor will order imaging and laboratory tests, including: Thyroid imaging with ultrasound, computed tomography CT or magnetic resonance imaging MRI Blood test s for thyroid hormone levels and other factors Examination of the vocal cords using an instrument called a laryngoscope Just before your procedure, the surgical team may give you an antibiotic if you have a weakened immune system or other condition that makes you prone to getting infections.

Types of Thyroidectomy Traditional Thyroidectomy In the operating room, you will be in a semi-seated position, with or without your chin tilted back and with support under your neck and shoulders.

Scarless Transoral Thyroidectomy A newer technique involves accessing the thyroid gland through the mouth. If you notice sudden swelling in your neck, which could signify an infection, contact our office. Due to disturbance of the parathyroid glands, which regulate calcium balance, your calcium level may drop after surgery.

If it drops, you may notice numbness and tingling of your fingers or around your mouth. We'll monitor your calcium levels through blood tests, and give you instructions about taking calcium replacements if needed.

After a total thyroidectomy, you will take lifelong thyroid hormone replacements. Because your entire thyroid gland is removed, it will no longer supply you with the hormone you need to control your body's metabolic processes. You might also have to take supplements after thyroidectomy to balance your calcium levels. After a thyroid lobectomy, you'll need to have your thyroid hormone levels checked and will be prescribed a thyroid hormone replacement, if needed.

In the weeks after your thyroid surgery, you may have neck pain, soreness of your vocal chords or a weak voice. Wait at least 10 days to two weeks before doing anything vigorous, such as heavy lifting or strenuous sports. It takes up to a year for the scar from surgery to fade.

Your doctor may recommend using sunscreen to help minimize the scar from being noticeable. If only part of your thyroid is removed, the remaining portion typically takes over the function of the entire thyroid gland. So you might not need thyroid hormone therapy.

If your entire thyroid is removed, your body can't make thyroid hormone. Without replacement, you'll develop signs and symptoms of underactive thyroid hypothyroidism. Therefore, you'll need to take a pill every day that contains the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine Synthroid, Unithroid, others. This hormone replacement is identical to the hormone normally made by your thyroid gland and performs all of the same functions.

Your doctor will test your blood to know how much thyroid hormone replacement you need. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version.

Overview Thyroid gland Open pop-up dialog box Close. Thyroid gland Your thyroid gland is located at the base of your neck, just below the Adam's apple. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. They work closely with anesthesiology staff specialized healthcare providers who will give you anesthesia during your surgery.

Your NP will review your medical and surgical history with you. You may have tests, such as an electrocardiogram EKG to check your heart rhythm, a chest x-ray, blood tests, and any other tests needed to plan your care.

Your NP may also recommend that you see other healthcare providers. Your caregiver plays an important role in your care. Before your surgery, you and your caregiver will learn about your surgery from your healthcare providers. For support resources and information, visit www. The person you identify is called your health care agent. You can also read the resources Advance Care Planning and How to Be a Health Care Agent for information about health care proxies, other advance directives, and being a health care agent.

Practice taking deep breaths and coughing before your surgery. Your healthcare provider will give you an incentive spirometer to help expand your lungs. If you have any questions, ask your nurse or respiratory therapist.

Try to do aerobic exercise every day. Aerobic exercise is any exercise that makes your heart beat faster, such as walking, swimming, or biking. Exercising will help your body get into its best condition for your surgery and make your recovery faster and easier.

Follow a well-balanced, healthy diet before your surgery. If you need help with your diet, talk with your healthcare provider about meeting with a clinical dietitian nutritionist. If you take aspirin or a medication that contains aspirin, you may need to change your dose or stop taking it 7 days before your surgery. Aspirin can cause bleeding. Stop taking vitamin E, multivitamins, herbal remedies, and other dietary supplements 7 days before your surgery.

These things can cause bleeding. For more information, read the resource Herbal Remedies and Cancer Treatment. These medications can cause bleeding. A staff member from the Admitting Office will call you after pm the day before your surgery. The staff member will tell you what time to arrive at the hospital for your surgery. This includes hard candy and gum.

Do not drink anything else. Do not drink anything starting 2 hours before your scheduled arrival time. This includes water. If your healthcare provider told you to take certain medications the morning of your surgery, take only those medications with a sip of water. Depending on what medications you take, this may be all, some, or none of your usual morning medications.

Many staff members will ask you to say and spell your name and birth date. This is for your safety. People with the same or a similar name may be having surgery on the same day. Tell them the dose of any medications you took after midnight including prescription and over-the-counter medications, patches, and creams and the time you took them.

Your nurse may place an intravenous IV line in one of your veins, usually in your arm or hand. A member of the operating room team will help you onto the operating bed and place compression boots on your lower legs. These gently inflate and deflate to help blood flow in your legs. Once your surgery is finished, your incision will be closed with sutures stitches. The information in this section will tell you what to expect after your surgery, both during your hospital stay and after you leave the hospital.

A nurse will be keeping track of your body temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. You may be getting oxygen through a thin tube that rests below your nose or a mask that covers your nose and mouth. You may also have a drain in your neck under your incision. Most people stay in the hospital for 1 night. Your nurses and other healthcare providers will teach you how to care for yourself as you recover from your surgery.

Your healthcare providers will ask you about your pain often and give you medication as needed. Controlling your pain will help you recover better. Talk with your healthcare provider about possible side effects and when you should start switching to over-the-counter pain medications.

Moving around and walking will help lower your risk for blood clots and pneumonia lung infection. It will also help you start passing gas and having bowel movements pooping again. Your nurse, physical therapist, or occupational therapist will help you move around, if needed. Read the resource Call! Don't Fall! This will help your lungs expand, which helps prevent pneumonia. You can start having ice chips and liquids several hours after your surgery. Your healthcare providers will check your blood calcium level after your surgery and give you a calcium supplement if needed.

You may need to take this supplement for a few weeks until your parathyroid glands start working like usual. Tell one of your healthcare providers if you have numbness and tingling in your hands, feet, and around your mouth.