How long is recovery from thyroid nodule surgery?
Most people take 1 to 2 weeks off to recover. You should not drive for at least a week. There are no other restrictions. Depending on the amount of thyroid tissue that was removed and the reason for your surgery, you may be placed on thyroid hormone (Synthroid or Cytomel).
What happens after thyroid nodule is removed?
If your entire thyroid is removed, your body can’t make thyroid hormone. Without replacement, you’ll develop signs and symptoms of underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Therefore, you’ll need to take a pill every day that contains the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Synthroid, Unithroid, others).
What are the side effects of having your thyroid gland removed?
Common side effects beginning after surgery include2 :
- Nausea and Vomiting.
- Neck Pain and Stiffness.
- A Sore Throat.
- Difficulty Swallowing.
- Hoarseness and Voice Problems.
- Transient Hypoparathyroidism.
- Hypothyroidism.
- Hematoma.
How is a thyroid nodule removed?
For a thyroid lobectomy, surgeons remove one lobe of the thyroid and the isthmus. A doctor may also use a lobectomy to manage a single toxic nodule that is causing hyperthyroidism. A lobectomy is also used to remove a thyroid nodule that might contain cancer.
What is the name of the procedure to remove the thyroid?
The most common are lobectomy, subtotal thyroidectomy, and total thyroidectomy. Sometimes, a nodule, inflammation, or swelling affects only half of the thyroid gland. When this happens, a doctor will remove only one of the two lobes. The part left behind should retain some or all of its function.
Is it normal to have part of your thyroid removed?
How much of your thyroid gland is removed during thyroidectomy depends on the reason for surgery. If only a portion is removed (partial thyroidectomy), your thyroid may be able to function normally after surgery.
Can a thyroid nodule be removed with radioactive iodine?
If treatment with radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications isn’t an option, you may be a candidate for surgery to remove the overactive thyroid nodule. You’ll likely discuss the risks of surgery with your doctor. Treatment for a nodule that’s cancerous usually involves surgery. Observation.
Is there a role for surgery in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
Fatigue improved to the point that it was comparable to the normal Norwegian population. This study raises the possibility of a role for surgery for patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis who continue to feel poorly despite optimal treatment with thyroid hormone. However, the study, while well done, is a relatively small one.
