About the Thyroid Gland

Where is the thyroid gland and what does it do?

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ that cradles the front and sides of the windpipe (trachea) and produces the hormone thyroxine (thyroid hormone). Thyroxine is important for controlling the body's metabolic rate, which is the rate that every cell in the body functions. It is like the accelerator of a car. It can dictate how fast or slow organs in the body actually work. Too much of it, the bodily functions accelerate out of control; too little of it, the body grinds to a halt. Therefore, a well-balanced thyroid function is essential for good health.  Following complete removal of your thyroid through total thyroidectomy, you will need to take the hormone thyroxine indefinitely. Approximately 10% of patients also require thyroxine supplementation following removal of half of the thyroid (hemithyroidectomy).

Why do I need thyroid surgery?

Removal of half or all of your thyroid may be required for the following reasons:

• Your thyroid has a large nodule or nodules making it difficult to swallow or breathe especially on exertion.

• Your thyroid is overactive, and non-surgical options (medications or radioactive iodine) are ineffective or not appropriate due to medical reasons or side effects.

• Thyroid cancer is diagnosed or cannot be excluded based on findings of a biopsy, ultrasound, or other tests.

• There may be other less common reasons that A/Prof. Lee will be able to discuss with you.

What is involved with the surgery?

For most patients, thyroid surgery is performed as an “elective procedure”. This means that the date of the surgery is scheduled in advance, and you will be admitted to the hospital on the day of the surgery, having fasted for an appropriate amount of time. You will meet your anaesthetist on the day of the surgery, prior to the procedure.

The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, with you fully asleep. The general anaesthetic is administered in the operating room, with your vital signs being monitored the entire time. The surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours, occasionally longer, depending on the extent of the surgery and the condition being treated. You will wake up in the recovery room, with a small dressing over the incision on your neck. 

You will be moved to your ward bed approximately 1 hour after the completion of surgery, and you will be able to receive visitors at this time. You will be able to talk after surgery, and have something soft to eat once you are no longer drowsy.

Most patients are discharged the next morning. In some situations, a longer stay in hospital may be required for further observations, blood tests, or other reasons.

Download our FAQ sheet for more Thyroid and Parathyroid FAQs.

Post Thyroid Surgery Information

Common Symptoms After Surgery

It is common to experience one or more of the following symptoms after thyroid surgery. These are typically mild to moderate and improve over days, weeks or months. If symptoms persist, please contact A/Prof. Lee or your GP.

• Pain or funny sensations around the wound and/or neck muscles (usually settles in 1–2 weeks)

• Slight tightness or choking sensation in the throat

• Numbness and/or swelling around the wound

• Weakness of the voice

• Some difficulty with swallowing

• Headaches and tiredness

Important:
If you experience difficulty breathing, rapid swelling in the neck, or muscle spasms, go to the nearest emergency department immediately or call an ambulance.

Wound Care

• You will be discharged with a sticky tape dressing over your wound. Leave it in place until your first review appointment (1–2 weeks).

• It is safe to shower with the tape in place—just gently dab it dry afterward.

• Some minor blood staining of the tape is normal.

• Mild and soft swelling around the wound during the first week is common.

• If the wound becomes red, hot, and painful, it could be infected (rare). If this happens, please contact your GP or A/Prof. Lee to check if antibiotics are needed.

Ongoing Wound Care

• The dressing will be replaced during your first follow-up with A/Prof. Lee.

• Keep the wound taped for a total of 3 weeks from the date of surgery to encourage proper healing.

• Use ½ inch skin-tone Micropore tape, available at most chemists.

• After 3 weeks, daily massage of the scar with Vitamin E cream (or a similar product) can help reduce swelling and improve scar appearance.

General Recovery Guidelines

• Avoid vigorous activities for at least 3 weeks post-surgery.

• Do not drive until you can comfortably and quickly turn your head without pain—usually after 2 weeks.

• Gradually resume normal activities once neck pain and stiffness have improved.

Medications

Pain Relief

• You can take Panadol and/or Nurofen for pain as per instructions.

• Prescription-strength pain medications may be provided at discharge if needed.

• Begin to wean them off as symptoms ease.

Thyroid Hormone Replacement

• After total thyroidectomy, you will need to take thyroxine (e.g., Oroxine or Eutroxsig) for life.

• Take thyroxine on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before breakfast.

• After 4–6 weeks, arrange a blood test with your GP or endocrinologist to check thyroid levels and adjust the dose if needed.

Calcium Supplementation

• Calcium tablets may be prescribed post-surgery and gradually reduced over the first few weeks.

• Have your blood calcium levels checked weekly by your GP for dose adjustments.

Other Medications

• You may need laxatives (if constipated due to pain medications).

• Vitamin D supplements may be prescribed if calcium levels are very low.

• Any additional medications will be discussed with you by A/Prof. Lee or your GP.

For Country Patients

If you cannot return to Melbourne for follow-up, arrange all further care with your GP. Please discuss this with A/Prof. Lee before discharge.

Disclaimer

The information provided here is intended for general reference and education only.
Always consult with A/Prof. Lee about your individual situation.
A/Prof. Lee cannot be held liable for any deviations from the details provided in this guide.