Total Thyroidectomy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 1, 2024.
What do I need to know about a total thyroidectomy?
A total thyroidectomy is surgery to remove all of your thyroid gland.
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How do I prepare for a total thyroidectomy?
- Your surgeon will tell you how to prepare. You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of surgery. Arrange to have someone drive you home when you are discharged.
- Tell your surgeon about all medicines you currently take. Your surgeon will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for the surgery, and when to stop. Your surgeon will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of surgery.
- Tell your surgeon about any allergies you have, including to anesthesia or medicines. You may be given antithyroid medicine to lower the amount of thyroid hormone made by your thyroid gland.
- You may need blood tests before your surgery to check the amounts of calcium and thyroid hormone in your blood. You may also need ultrasound, CT, or MRI pictures of your thyroid. This will help your surgeon plan your surgery.
What will happen during a total thyroidectomy?
- You will be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during surgery. Your surgeon will make 1 or more incisions on your lower neck. Your surgeon will remove your thyroid gland. If you have cancer, your surgeon may also remove the tissue and lymph nodes around your thyroid gland.
- A drain may be placed into your incision to remove extra fluids from the surgery area. Your incision will be closed with stitches or surgical glue and covered with a bandage.
What should I expect after a total thyroidectomy?
You will be taken to a recovery room until you are fully awake. Healthcare providers will watch you closely for problems. Do not get out of bed until your provider says it is okay. Tell providers if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing. Tell them if your bandage feels like it is getting tight. You will have blood tests to check your calcium and thyroid hormone blood levels. You may need to stay in the hospital overnight or longer, depending on your condition.
What are the risks of a total thyroidectomy?
- You may bleed more than expected or develop a hematoma (pooling of blood). This may make it hard for you to breathe or swallow and needs to be treated immediately. Your vocal cords may be damaged and cause your voice to be hoarse or weak. This may become a long-term problem. You may develop a blood clot in your arm or leg. The clot may travel to your heart or brain and cause life-threatening problems, such as a heart attack or stroke.
- Your parathyroid glands may not work as well as they should after surgery. This can cause your calcium levels to drop too low. Low calcium levels can cause many problems, including an irregular heartbeat, muscle spasms, and seizures. This may be a short-term problem after surgery, or it may be a long-term problem.
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