It may take two weeks before you feel ready to go back to work after athyroidectomy.
You’ll need to follow a restricted diet until the day after surgery.
Side effects, such as neck pain and stiffness or sore throat, are common after surgery.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
Side Effects
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.
This can lead to neck pain and stiffness.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Applying a warm compress may also help.
Most often, neck stiffness lasts for only a few days to a few weeks after surgery.
This is very common and expected during the first week or two after surgery.
Around 1.6% of people may have permanent damage to the nerves supplying the vocal cords.
Symptoms usually improve in the first few weeks but may persist up to six months after surgery.
If the nerve was injured, more severe symptoms may be noted after surgery.
Fortunately, if nausea does develop, there are treatments that can alleviate your symptoms.
The use of medications such as dexamethasone can greatly reduce vomiting.
Transient Hypoparathyroidism
Transient (temporary)hypoparathyroidismcan happen after thyroid surgery.
Hypoparathyroidism pops up if you have too littleparathyroidhormone, which can lead to low calcium levels.
These glands are responsible for controlling the body’s calcium levels.
They secrete parathyroid hormone that helps your kidneys and bones to maintain the balance of calcium and phosphorous.
Some of these require prompt treatment, so it’s important to be aware of them.
Treatment includes immediate surgery to remove the hematoma and address any areas of bleeding.
Most often, lifelong calcium supplementation is all that is needed.
This nerve controls the muscles that move the vocal cords.
In addition to persistenthoarseness, injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve may lead to other symptoms after surgery.
This is uncommon and primarily a concern if both nerves are damaged.
Injury to the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve is usually less obvious.
Seroma
Aseromais 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.
It is uncommon, but when it occurs after thyroidectomy, it is usually associated with Grave’s disease.
Anesthesia Risks
Possiblecomplications of general anesthesiamay also occur since most thyroidectomies require it.
This can include changes in blood pressure or heart problems.
Once you are at home, raise the head of your bed to reduce swelling.
Your surgeon will likely recommend avoiding heavy, fatty, or spicy foods for a few days.
Examples include foods with sauces or gravy, cooked vegetables, and casseroles.
The excess activity could increase your chance of developing a hematoma or keep your wound from healing properly.
Light housekeeping and walking are usually fine once you arrive home.
Stretching Exercises
Many surgeons recommend doing gentlestretchingand range-of-motion exercises to reduce stiffness.
Recommended exercises may include the following:
Suggested frequency: 10 repetitions, three times a day.
Do not submerge, soak, or scrub your incision.
Avoid swimming or taking baths for at least a week after the surgery.
If you had a drain placed, your surgeon will remove it the day after the surgery.
You may have stitches that will need to be removed or absorbable sutures that will not.
IfSteri-Stripswere applied, these will usually stay in place for around a week.
Most surgeons recommend leaving these alone until they fall off by themselves, rather than trying to remove them.
Your incision may appear red and hard at first, and you may notice some slight swelling and bruising.
If it itches, ask your surgeon if you’re free to apply scar gel or aloe.
The hardening typically peaks about three weeks after surgery and then subsides over the next two to three months.
In the meantime, contact your thyroid-care team if you have any questions regarding your recovery process.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
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