Patient discussions
Surgical counselling to discuss the risks of surgery are discussed with the patient. This includes describing:
the location of incision
possible post-operative voice outcomes with recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis/paralysis
the risk of hypocalcaemia from hypoparathyroidism
pain control
post-operative haematoma that may require re-operation, and
swallow issues from recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis.
Most surgeons do not use drains after thyroidectomy. The procedure is ambulatory, with the majority of patients home the same day or a maximum one-night stay at the hospital. Dressings are usually steristrips with subcuticular stitches.
Provide written and verbal information to patients, and their family and carers if appropriate, on the benefits and risks of radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy.[59] Some protocols require patient isolation for RAI doses >29.9 millicuries (mCi) (1110 megabecquerels [MBq]). Outpatients given RAI should wash hands frequently. Close contact with others should also be avoided, particularly with children and pregnant women. Patients who receive RAI are generally advised not to become pregnant for a period of at least 6 months.[96]
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