Consequences of a thyroidectomy
After thyroidectomy, some tests must be performed to evaluate the success of the operation. The first thing to be checked is whether the so-called recurrent nerve (laryngeal nerve) was damaged during the operation. Damage would be noticeable as hoarseness in a limited speech function.
However, hoarseness after surgery can also occur temporarily as a result of irritation by the breathing tube. The calcium level in the blood should also be monitored after the operation to control the function of the parathyroid glands. If the calcium level drops very low, this indicates damage to the parathyroid glands.
Since the thyroid gland produces important hormones for the body, these have to be replaced after a complete removal. These are triiodothyronine and thyroxine. These should be taken in tablet form after the operation.
After about five weeks, the hormone dose is adjusted and set individually with the help of a blood test. If only part of the thyroid gland has been removed, this is usually not necessary. In the first two weeks after the operation, heavy physical activity should be avoided as far as possible to ensure optimal healing of the wound. After about two to three days the patient can leave the hospital and after about a week the stitches are removed.
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