Thyroidectomy

Removal of the whole or part of the thyroid gland (front of the neck)

Speciality General Surgery
Urgency elective, urgent
Duration 1 to 3 h
Blood Loss minimal to 1 litre
Anaesthesia General Anaesthetic +/- Nerve Block, Local Anaesthetic
Nerve Blocks Cervical Plexus (superficial)
Pain mild-moderate (++)
Post-op Pain Local up to 4-8 hours, Nerve Block up to 10-30 hours
Post-op Pain II Tablets, Suppositories, Injection (im, iv)
Hospital Stay 1 to 2 days
Full Recovery 2 to 4 weeks
Additional Info Blood loss and duration depend on the size of the goitre / Risk of bleeding, swelling, hoarseness and breathing problems after the operation
More Information British Thyroid Association

Specialities