Recovering From Thyroid Surgery: What to Expect

The thyroid is small, but it produces hormones that have a big impact on your overall health. This butterfly-shaped endocrine gland, located at the base of the neck, helps regulate metabolism, heart rate, breathing, skin health, digestion, and other bodily functions.  

Thus, surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid (thyroidectomy) is never taken lightly. Fortunately, we can replace naturally occurring thyroid hormones with daily oral medication.

Board-certified surgeon and ENT specialist Philip T. Ho, MD, FACS, at Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center in Los Gatos, California, performs partial and total thyroidectomies when necessary.  

If you or a loved one is considering thyroid surgery, understanding the reasons behind it and what to expect during recovery can help ease concerns.

Why would I need thyroid surgery?

A doctor may recommend thyroid surgery for several reasons:

Thyroid nodules

While most thyroid nodules are benign (noncancerous), some grow large enough to cause difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Thyroid cancer

If cancerous cells are detected in the thyroid gland, surgical removal is often the primary treatment.

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)

Conditions like Graves’ disease can cause excessive hormone production. In severe cases, removing part or all of the thyroid may be necessary.

Goiter

An enlarged thyroid gland can lead to discomfort, breathing difficulties, and cosmetic concerns, making surgery a viable option.

Suspicious biopsy results

If a biopsy yields inconclusive results regarding the presence of cancer, surgery may be advised to remove and analyze the affected tissue.

Recovery after thyroid surgery

The recovery process after thyroidectomy varies. Dr. Ho discusses surgical details and his expectations for the recovery process before scheduling the procedure, but here’s what you can generally expect:

Pain management

You may experience mild to moderate discomfort for a few days, but most people tolerate thyroidectomy very well. Mild pain relievers generally provide relief, and warm broths or teas can help soothe an irritated throat caused by the breathing tube used during surgery.

Hoarseness and voice changes

Mild to moderate hoarseness may occur due to nerve irritation and temporary post-surgical inflammation.

Incision healing

The incision is usually small and fades over time. Scar care and sun protection can aid in healing.

Hormone replacement therapy

If you had a total thyroidectomy, you’ll need lifelong thyroid hormone replacement medication. You may need medication, but at a lower dose, even with a partial thyroidectomy.  

Follow-up care

Regular checkups ensure proper healing and routine blood work help us monitor thyroid hormone levels.

Recovery time

Most people recover within 1 to 2 weeks; however, full recovery, including regaining normal energy levels, may take a few months.

If you had surgery for a goiter or nodules, relief from discomfort or breathing issues should be noticeable fairly quickly. Those recovering from thyroid cancer surgery may require further treatments like radioactive iodine therapy.

Schedule a visit at Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center to learn more about thyroid surgery and what to expect during recovery. Call our office or request an appointment online.