Complications of thyroid surgery

Whilst most operations will be straight forward, the following complications are possible:

1. Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury: This is a rare injury but the risk is increased during re-operative thyroid surgery. If the nerve is identified and protected any nerve damage will be temporary, recovering in a few weeks or months. If the nerve has not been identified, a third of nerve injuries will be permanent.

2. Hypoparathyroidism: This is mainly reported after total thyroidectomy and may occur in 1-3% of such operations. Calcium levels are persistently low and patients need vitamin D and calcium supplements.

3. Hypothyroidism: Inevitable after total thyroidectomy and occurs in a significant proportion of patients undergoing subtotal thyroidectomy.

4. Recurrent hyperthyroidism: Occurs in about 5% of patients having surgery for Grave's disease. Depends on the size of the thyroid remnant left behind.

5. Bleeding: Soon after the operation blood may collect in the neck (sometimes even in the presence of a drain). This may cause breathing difficulty and need urgent surgery for drainage.

6. Wound complications: Keloid scars may result in susceptible patients.

   

   Mr. H.S. Khaira  MD, FRCS.
   Copyright © 2001  [H.S. Khaira]. All rights reserved.
   Revised: October 24, 2004 .