A thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. Surgeons often perform a thyroidectomy when a patient has thyroid cancer or some other condition of the thyroid gland (such as thyroid nodules, thyroid enlargement (goiter) or hyperthyroidism).
Read the patient stories below for information and advice on thyroidectomy. Learn about common concerns, including what to expect during the procedure, possible complications, and recovery.
Patient Advice
- Overall Rating
- 3.7
- average of all patients
- Pain
- Inconvenience
Preparation for Thyroidectomy:
“Find a surgeon who is highly recommended and makes you feel relaxed and confident.”
“Do not hesitate to ask the surgeon any questions, and keep asking a question — in different ways — until you understand the answer.”
“If you have a neck or back problem that is triggered by arching your neck backward, tell your surgeon prior to surgery because during surgery your neck will be in a flexed position.”
What to Expect After a Thyroidectomy:
“Report any pain or discomfort to the doctor or nurses. Do not hesitate to communicate.”
“Give yourself a week after surgery to get back to your usual daily activities.”
“Ask about the variety of thyroid hormone medication available; there are different families of medication, and you may do better on some rather than others.”
“Tingling in fingers after surgery could be a symptom of low calcium, so call your doctor immediately with any issues.”
