Endocrine
Thyroidectomy
Dr. Tamer Rushdy Elalfy
Educational guidance, not an individual treatment plan. Follow your treating team's instructions for fasting, medicines, wound care and activity. Recovery times vary. Translations have not yet been reviewed by a native-speaking medical professional.
- What it is
- Removal of part or all of the thyroid for nodules, goitre, or cancer.
- The operation
- Neck incision with careful protection of the voice nerves and parathyroids.
- Anesthesia & stay
- General anesthesia; 1–2 nights with a small drain sometimes.
- Recovery
- Mild throat discomfort and voice tiredness settle within weeks.
- Home care
- Thyroid hormone and calcium levels are checked and replaced as needed.
- Warning signs
- Tingling around the mouth or hands, breathing difficulty, or neck swelling.
Before surgery
Confirm your arrival time and fasting instructions with the hospital. Ask your clinical team which medicines to take or pause; do not stop medicines yourself. Tell them about allergies, pregnancy and other conditions. Arrange help and transport home.
After surgery
Take medicines only as prescribed. Follow your own wound, food, fluid and activity instructions; walk gently when your team says it is safe. Keep your follow-up appointment. Ask your surgeon before driving, heavy lifting or returning to work.
Chest pain, difficulty breathing, heavy bleeding or rapidly increasing neck swelling: seek emergency care immediately. For fever, worsening pain, vomiting or wound discharge, contact your surgical team promptly.
Original handouts · Arabic / English
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