Thyroidectomy Hemithyroidectomy Parathyroidectomy

Thyroid surgery

Thyroid surgery is where part of or all the thyroid gland/s are removed through a cut along a skin crease of the neck. 

Parathyroid surgery

Parathyroid surgery is the removal of one or more of the parathyroid glands which are in the neck beside the thyroid gland. This surgery is done through a cut along a skin crease of the neck.

Pre-operation

You will be given pre-operative instructions by your doctor such as: 

• Medications to cease (such as medications which thin the blood i.e. Aspirin) 
•  Pre-operative hygiene 
•  Fasting instructions 
•   When to arrive and where to go for your surgery, etc.

Post operation

Once your surgery is over you will go to the recovery unit (PACU) where you may wake up with an oxygen mask on your face, an intravenous fluid line (drip) in your arm and a small drainage tube on the side of your neck. 

You will be looked after by a Recovery Nurse so please let the nurse know if you have any pain or nausea. Once recovered, you will be transferred to the ward. Your doctor will let staff know when you may commence eating and drinking after surgery. The nursing staff will help you out of bed the first time after your operation. Expect to stay in hospital to 1 to 3 nights, this will be to monitor the swelling of the neck after surgery.

It is important to tell nursing staff if you experience any difficulty breathing, tingling or numbness around your lips, fingers and toes.

Caring for your wound

You will be given instructions in relation to your wounds and dressings. 

You may have a suture line across your neck that will be covered by tape. You can shower and pat this tape dry with a towel. Leave intact until your follow up appointment with your surgeon.

• You will have dissolvable sutures that will slowly dissolve over 2-3 weeks. 
• Use ice packs regularly to decrease swelling and reduce pain. 
• If you experience any numbness or tingling to lips, fingers, or toes, please seek medical attention immediately.
• To reduce the risk of infection avoid touching the wound unnecessarily. Always check your wound daily for signs of infection. 

Discharge medications

You may commence thyroid hormone replacement or be prescribed oral calcium, please take these as directed by the pharmacist or surgeon.

Medical certificate

A medical certificate can be issued if needed for work or other purposes.

Follow up appointments

You’ll be given details of your outpatient appointment, appointment with your surgeon or when to see your local GP.

Plus information about any upcoming procedures or tests.

After having a general anaesthetic, narcotic injection, or sedation:

• You may feel tired and sleepy 
• Your coordination, reflexes and thought processes will be affected 
• Take care and rest quietly at home for the next 24 hours or longer if needed.

For 24 hours after your surgery, you must not:

• Drive a motor vehicle, ride a motorcycle or bicycle
• Use public transport or travel alone
• Drink alcohol or take any recreational drugs 
• Take any sedatives or sleeping tablets 
• Use electrical appliances or operate machinery
• Engage in sport, heavy work or heavy lifting
• Make important decisions or sign legal documents 
• After 24 hours, if you still feel weak, dizzy or unwell, taking pain medications, then continue to follow the advice above. Seek medical advice from your surgeon or GP if you have questions in relation to any of the above situations.

Caring for yourself at home

• It is recommended that you have a normal, well-balanced diet, high in protein, fruit and vegetables. You should also consider increasing your fluid intake in the first few days to help promote healing.  
• NO Smoking. Smoking slows down any wound healing and can lead to wound breakdown.
• No excessive exercise or heavy lifting for 2 weeks.
• Do not drive a motor vehicle or ride a bike until you have clearance from your surgeon. If you do drive without a clearance and an accident occurs, you may be held legally responsible. Check the conditions aligned to your insurance policy. 
• To reduce the risk of infection avoid touching the wound unnecessarily. Always check your wound daily for signs of infection.

Pain management

It is normal to have some pain or discomfort after having surgery. Manage your pain early, so it is relieved with medication, or non-drug pain relief methods such as rest and ice packs. Take your medications as directed. 

If your pain is not managed with the medication, please contact your private surgeon or visit your GP as soon as possible.

To help prevent blood clots forming in your legs (thromboembolism) we recommend that you wear TED stockings during your initial post operative period.

When and where to seek assistance

If you develop any of the following you should seek medical advice:

• Excessive pain not relieved by rest or pain medication
• Continued bleeding that does not stop after applying gentle direct pressure for 15 minutes 
• Increase in swelling or a large hard bruise forms 
• Any trouble breathing or swelling to neck 
• Difficulty, or you are unable to pass urine
• Ongoing vomiting or you are unable to tolerate fluids
• A high temperature, chills, sweats or you generally feel unwell 
• A wound becomes red or inflamed, hot to touch, has increased ooze, a cloudy discharge or is not healing 
• Any weakness or dizziness 
• Swollen or painful calves particularly if only in one leg
• Any other concerns related to your surgery.