What to expect from thyroid removal surgery for a thyroid nodule

The surgeon may remove the lobe containing the nodule or the entire thyroid. The choice can depend on the nodule's size, appearance, test results, symptoms and surgical findings. You are asleep under general anaesthesia while a small incision is made at the front of the neck. Tissue is sent to a laboratory for examination, which helps confirm what the nodule is and whether more treatment is needed. After a total thyroidectomy, hormone replacement is expected; after a lobectomy, testing determines whether it is required.

Tell the team about medicines, allergies and previous anaesthesia problems, and follow fasting instructions. Plan a ride home and a quieter recovery period. A scratchy throat, neck stiffness, bruising and tiredness may occur. Use medicines as prescribed, protect the incision as instructed and avoid vigorous activity until cleared. Keep every appointment for pathology results, wound assessment and thyroid blood tests.

Seek urgent help for sudden neck swelling, breathing difficulty, trouble swallowing or bleeding. Call the clinical team about fever, spreading redness, increasing pain or discharge. Tingling around the lips or fingertips and muscle cramps may indicate low calcium after surgery and should be assessed quickly. Tell the team about a voice change that does not settle or becomes worse.

Ask which part of the thyroid is planned for removal, when the pathology report should be available, whether a drain is likely, and whether hormone or calcium tablets may be needed. Ask when you can drive, exercise, return to work and have your blood tests.