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POST OP INSTRUCTIONS: THYROIDECTOMY
Subtotal or
Total Thyroidectomy |
POSTOPERATIVE
INSTRUCTIONS FOR LOBECTOMY/SUBTOTAL/TOTAL
THYROIDECTOMY
The following guidelines should help during
the first week after surgery. Although
individual responses vary widely following
any operation, you (or your child) can
expect to return to normal in about ten
days.
ACTIVITY: For a day or two it is wise to
restrict the patient to either couch or bed
rest, but he/she may be allowed to go to the
bathroom. Plenty of sleep is necessary and
naps are often advisable. For the first few
days public places where the patient might
encounter infection should be avoided.
Strenuous activities should be limited for 2
weeks. Patients usually return to
school/work in 1 week.
DIET: After discharge from the hospital or
surgery center, adequate fluids are
essential and may be given in almost any
form such as water, soda, juice, jello or
popsicles. Encourage fluids for at least 10
days. Drinking citrus fruit juices,
pineapple and tomato juice may sting due to
the acid, and should be discouraged. Soft
foods are tolerated best at first and should
be encouraged. Highly seasoned or very
scratchy food should be avoided. Normal diet
can be advanced as tolerated.
PAIN: Pain and discomfort is variable after
surgery. Medication may be prescribed to
help control pain, take as directed. You may
also use Tylenol or Acetaminophen.
FEVER: Very slight elevations of temperature
during the first few days are usual. If the
temperature goes above 101.5 degrees, please
contact us.
VOMITING: Nausea and vomiting may occur
following anesthesia and usually clears
after the first day. If persistent nausea
and vomiting occurs after the first day at
home, please contact us.
WOUND CARE: After surgery you may have a
drain, which prevents fluid from building up
in the wound. This is removed after the
fluid accumulation is minimal, usually the
first day postoperatively. The neck incision
should be cleaned with peroxide three times
a day, followed by a coating of polysporin
ointment. This will improve wound healing
and lead to a more asymmetrically acceptable
scar. Wearing a bandage or dressing is
optional. The sutures or staples will be
removed approximately 1 week post-op.
DIFFICULTY SWALLOWING: Is rare and clears
up in the first week.
VOICE QUALITY:
Hoarse voice is usually rare and typically
clears up after a few weeks.
MEDICATIONS: Medication may be prescribed to
help control pain, take as directed. You may
also use Tylenol or Acetaminophen. If you
have been prescribed an antibiotic take as
directed. You may resume any other
medications that you use regularly. If
taking pain medications, avoid drinking
alcohol or other dangerous situations.
DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN OR ASPIRIN CONTAINING
MEDICATIONS FOR AT LEAST 3 WEEKS.
FOLLOW-UP VISIT TO THE OFFICE: If a
postoperative appointment has not been made
for you, please call the office the day
after surgery to arrange an appointment
within one to two weeks following the
surgery.
PROBLEMS AND QUESTIONS: For any problems
that arise, or to ask any questions, please
call the office during regular business
hours. Drs. Berghash, Lanza and Zeiders are on
call after hours and weekends for
emergencies. |
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