How to Prepare for a Thyroidectomy

A thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure in which all or part of the thyroid gland is removed. It is most often preformed as a result of thyroid cancer, goiter, or painful nodules. There are just a few things that you need to do to prepare for a thyroidectomy.

Things You'll Need

• Time
• Phone
• Medication
• Food

Show More

Instructions

How to Prepare for a Thyroidectomy

• 1

  You should take any medication your doctor has given you exactly as prescribed. Sometimes you need a certain amount of medication in your system for surgery, then others you need to clear your system of medication. Your doctor will tell you exactly what medications to continue and which to stop until after the thyroidectomy.

• 2

  Make sure you’ve completed any pre-registration at the hospital for your surgery. Some insurance companies require you to go ahead of time and set everything up.

• 3

  Eat light meals the day before surgery, but remember not to eat or drink anything after midnight. You aren’t even supposed to drink water. Eating or drinking anything after midnight can cause a delay or even rescheduling of your thyroidectomy.

• 4

  Go ahead and make plans for help after surgery. Know who will be helping with house work, watching children, and doing anything else that needs to be done but that you won’t be capable of for a few weeks after a thyroidectomy. Getting everything set up ahead of time will keep your stress level down after the thyroidectomy. Relaxing and rest are the best things you can do for yourself after any surgery. By doing all of these things in advance your recovery will go smoothly.