What to expect from thyroid removal surgery for thyroid cancer

Your surgeon may remove one thyroid lobe or the whole gland, depending on the tumour and its features. Nearby lymph nodes may also be assessed or removed when needed. The operation is performed under general anaesthesia through a low neck incision. A temporary drain is sometimes used. After surgery, the team checks your breathing, neck swelling, voice and calcium balance. If the whole thyroid is removed, thyroid hormone replacement is usually needed; your dose may be adjusted with blood tests.

Follow instructions about fasting and medicines, especially blood thinners. Arrange transport home and help with meals or daily tasks during the first part of recovery. Neck tightness, a sore throat, tiredness and mild discomfort are common early experiences. Keep the incision clean as directed, take prescribed pain relief, and avoid strenuous lifting until your surgical team allows it. Attend wound checks and blood tests so hormone replacement and calcium treatment can be tailored.

Contact your surgical team promptly for increasing neck swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, heavy bleeding, fever, worsening redness, or fluid from the wound. Tingling around the mouth or in the fingers, or muscle spasms, can signal low calcium and needs prompt medical advice. A new or worsening hoarse voice should also be reported, particularly if it affects breathing.

Ask whether you need a partial or total thyroidectomy, whether lymph nodes will be examined, when hormone replacement starts, and how pathology results will affect further treatment. Clarify wound care, activity limits, calcium symptoms and the date of your first blood test.