Thyroidectomy: Before Surgery

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland inside your neck.

It lies just below your voice box.

The thyroid makes the hormones that control your metabolism.

Metabolism is the process your body uses to change things you eat and drink into energy.

A thyroidectomy is surgery to remove all or part of the gland when it’s too big, doesn’t work, or has a tumor.

Before your surgery, you’ll get medicine called anesthetics that will help you sleep so you won’t feel any pain.

The doctor will make a cut, or an incision, in the front of your neck.

And then the thyroid, or a part of it, is removed through the incision.

You might have a surgical drain in your neck to let fluid out of the incision.

The drain is usually taken out before you go home.

In the weeks before your surgery, your doctor may prescribe medicines to treat your thyroid problem.

Before the surgery, tell your doctor about all the medicines and natural health products you take, especially blood thinners, like aspirin.

Some can raise the risk of bleeding or cause problems with anesthesia.

Your doctor will tell you which medicines to take or stop before surgery.

And follow your doctor’s directions for preparing for your surgery, including when you should stop eating and drinking.

Bring your photo ID, insurance card, and any paperwork your hospital may have asked for.

Surgery may be stressful.

But knowing what to expect and how to prepare can help.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can always call your doctor.