What is the most common post op complication of thyroidectomy?
Hypocalcemia and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury are the two most common post-thyroidectomy complications.
Why does my neck hurt after thyroid surgery?
Pain at the site of your incision will improve after a few days but may continue for a week or so. If you notice sudden swelling in your neck, which could signify an infection, contact our office. Due to disturbance of the parathyroid glands, which regulate calcium balance, your calcium level may drop after surgery.
How long does it take to feel normal after thyroidectomy?
Most people who have thyroid surgery will feel better within 1–2 weeks, but recovery may take longer for some people. For more on this, see What to expect after thyroid cancer.
How long does it take for vocal cords to heal after thyroid surgery?
Temporary hoarseness, voice tiring, and weakness can occur when one or more of the nerves are irritated during the operation or because of inflammation that occurs after the surgery. This usually gets better within a few weeks, but can take up to 6 months to resolve.
How long does neck tightness last after thyroidectomy?
In addition, the scar may become pink and hard. This hardening will peak at about 3 weeks and may result in some neck tightness or difficulty swallowing, which will disappear over the next 3 to 4 months. You will also notice some numbness of the skin of your neck. This will gradually improve over time.
How long will my neck hurt after thyroidectomy?
Most often, neck stiffness lasts for only a few days to a few weeks after surgery.
What are the side effects of a thyroidectomy?
Risks
- Bleeding.
- Infection.
- Low parathyroid hormone levels (hypoparathyroidism) caused by surgical damage or removal of the parathyroid glands. These glands are located behind your thyroid and regulate blood calcium.
- Airway obstruction caused by bleeding.
- Permanent hoarse or weak voice due to nerve damage.
How do I strengthen my vocal cords after thyroid surgery?
Based on the problems experienced when first referred for voice therapy, a set of exercises are provided with the aim of compensating for the deficit induced by the nerve injury. Such exercises might include head-neck-shoulders relaxation, abdominal breathing, appropriate tone focus, lip and tongue trills.
How do you know if you damaged your vocal cords?
Symptoms may include a raspy, hoarse, low, or breathy voice, or trouble swallowing or coughing. Any hoarseness or change in voice that lasts longer than 2 weeks should be brought to the attention of your healthcare provider. Vocal cord disorders caused by abuse or misuse are easily preventable.