Thyroidectomy Post-operative Instructions

Allergy and ENT Associates of Middle Tennessee , P.C.

Adult and Pediatric Diseases of the Ear, Nose and Throat *Head and Neck Surgery
Allergy Testing and Treatment *Hearing and Balance Disorders
G. Lee Bryant, Jr., M.D. D. Scott Fortune, M.D. Justin E. Morgan, M.D.
Board Certified, American Board of Otolaryngology

If you develop problems after this procedure it may be due to the anesthesia or the operation. Common anesthetic effects include nausea, itching, and sedation. You should recover quickly from these effects; however, some patients do not feel back to normal until the following day after surgery.

Recall the conversation you had with your doctor prior to undergoing the surgery. The surgery involved removing your thyroid gland or a portion of it. In addition, the lymph nodes around the gland and/or in the neck may have been removed.

Pain: Your will be prescribed narcotic pain medications after surgery. Most of these already contain Tylenol, so do not take additional Tylenol. If the pain is not controlled, call 889-8802. You should expect some discomfort but not severe pain. Remember that your doctor and his associates choose not to prescribe controlled substances over the phone.

Incision Line: Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to care for your wound. It is safe to get your incision wet after 3 days; pat it dry gently. If you have absorbable sutures, do not place peroxide on the wound. Instead, you may use saline and a cotton swab to clean away any crusting. If you notice any redness or drainage, call your surgeon.

Activity: Your activity is limited for 2 weeks after surgery. Do not perform any strenuous activity or pick up anything heavier than a telephone book.

Diet: There are no restrictions. You may choose a bland diet while taking the stronger pain medications and antibiotics due to the chance that they will upset your stomach.

Prescriptions: Your doctor will prescribe pain medication, prophylactic antibiotics, and the ointment for the incision. You also may be given additional thyroid medication or calcium tablets. Review these with your surgeon and call with any questions.

What to look out for: Call the office at 889-8802 if you notice:

Bleeding, pain, or swelling at the surgical site.
Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking
Signs of hypocalcemia (low calcium levels): Tingling in fingers, tingling around mouth, and muscle or abdominal cramps.
Signs of hypercalcemia (high calcium levels): Fatique, muscle weakness, depression, irritability, decreased appetite, nausea, or constipation.
Fever. Notify your surgeon if you develop an oral temperature of greater than or equal to 101.5 degrees.

If you have any questions, call 889-8802.

Summit Outpatient Center
3901 Central Pike, Suite 351
Hermitage, Tennessee 37076
Office 615-889-8802 Fax 615-889-0583