THYROID SURGERY
POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS - THYROID SURGERY
CALL YOUR SURGEON DURING OFFICE HOURS OR GO TO THE NEAREAST EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IF:
1. You have a temperature over 38.5C or 101.3F.
2. You have increased redness, swelling or discharge from your incision.
3. You have spasms of the hands, feet or twitching of your muscles.
4. You have numbness in your face and/or hands.
5. You have any difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
6. You have increased pain not relieved by your prescribed pain medication.
Diet
Follow the diet and/or supplement regime as instructed by your surgeon and/or dietician. There are no permanent diet restrictions following thyroid surgery.
Activity
Gradually increase your activity and have rest periods if needed. Avoid strenuous activities, gym workouts and straining movements on your neck for 3-4 weeks, until your incision has fully healed.
Medications
Take pain medication as prescribed or take 1-2 Tylenol tablets every 4-6 hours as needed. If supplements are required, use as directed.
Bathing & Bandages
You will go home with paper tape on your incision. If you have an outside dressing, leave the paper tapes intact. You may shower or bathe 48 hours after your surgery, but keep the paper tapes dry as best as you can. After showering, pat the incision dry, and leave it uncovered to promote healing. The sutures under the paper tapes are dissolvable. DO NOT touch or remove the paper tapes, they will fall off on their own, or be removed by your surgeon. Bandages are not required.
Special Instructions
Your voice may be weak and hoarse for the first week or so. This is normal, do not be alarmed.
Follow up
Return to see your surgeon as directed, approximately 7-14 days after surgery.