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How Long Will It Take To Recover After Thyroid Surgery?
I am 30 and have nodules on my thyroid. We are waiting to see if they are cancerous or not but I will definitely have to have them removed. The surgeon said he is at least going to have to take 1/2 of my thyroid and possibly all of it depending on the biopsy results. I am going on vacation soon and was wondering how long after surgery is it safe to fly.
Wed, 20 Jul 2016
Hello and thank you for asking.
The recovery period after thyroidectomy lasts about 1 week. If they are going to perform lobectomy ( to remove only one lobe of the gland) the side effects may be lower and probably you will not need substitutional hormonal therapy ( levothyroxine).
If total thyroidectomy is necessary there exists a risk of hypoparathyroidism caused by removal of the parathyroid glands. it may be manifested with low calcium level and the recovery period may last more.
Anyway, the risk for side effects are low when the surgeon has a large experience in thyroidectomy.
Wish you good luck in your intervention and do not hesitate to ask if you will have further questions.
Kind Regards,
Dr. Mirjeta
The recovery period after thyroidectomy lasts about 1 week. If they are going to perform lobectomy ( to remove only one lobe of the gland) the side effects may be lower and probably you will not need substitutional hormonal therapy ( levothyroxine).
If total thyroidectomy is necessary there exists a risk of hypoparathyroidism caused by removal of the parathyroid glands. it may be manifested with low calcium level and the recovery period may last more.
Anyway, the risk for side effects are low when the surgeon has a large experience in thyroidectomy.
Wish you good luck in your intervention and do not hesitate to ask if you will have further questions.
Kind Regards,
Dr. Mirjeta
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