Subtotal thyroid resection

Subtotal thyroid resection is typically performed under general anaesthesia. The anaesthesiologist gives the medication to the patient in a form of gas or injection. Either way, it puts You to sleep, so You do not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Usually, the surgery takes one to two hours. How much time the surgeon needs depends on the extent of the operation and the reason for it. For example, if You need thyroidectomy due to thyroid cancer, the procedure might be more complicated, and therefore longer, than in the case of Graves disease.

Your doctor will provide You with specific instructions. You may need to stay off food for a certain period to prevent complications such as vomiting. If You suffer from hyperthyroidism, Your physician might prescribe You some medications to control Your thyroid function, as well as lower the risk of bleeding during and after the operation.

After the operation, You might feel mild pain in Your neck and Your voice may be hoarse or weak. These symptoms are usually short-term. In the days following the surgery, You will be able to eat, drink and perform daily activities. You should wait at least ten days before exercising vigorously, though. After subtotal thyroidectomy, the remainder of Your thyroid gland can still produce and release hormones, so lifelong supplementation of thyroid hormones is usually not necessary.

Talk to Your doctor about any concerns that You might have. Be sure to tell him about Your health problems and the medicines that you take. It may be necessary for You to stop certain medications before the procedure.