Our Summary

This study looked at what might increase the chances of bleeding after thyroid surgery, and how long it might take before another operation is needed to stop the bleeding. The researchers looked back at medical records from April 2009 to July 2022, including 126 patients who had bleeding after their thyroid surgery. They grouped these patients based on how long it was between the initial surgery and the second one to stop the bleeding.

The researchers found that men, and those who had a more extensive surgery that involved the neck, had a higher chance of bleeding after surgery. When they looked at the timing of the second surgery to stop the bleeding, they found that being male, having the entire thyroid removed, and having the more extensive neck surgery could mean a longer time before a second surgery was needed.

The study concludes that being male and having more extensive surgery are risk factors for bleeding after thyroid surgery. In addition, these factors also increase the risk of delayed bleeding. So, doctors should be aware of these risks when planning treatment or surgery for thyroid issues.

FAQs

  1. What factors increase the chances of bleeding after thyroid surgery according to the study?
  2. Does being male or having a more extensive surgery affect the timing of a second surgery to stop bleeding?
  3. How should doctors consider these risk factors in planning treatment or surgery for thyroid issues?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about thyroidectomy is to carefully follow post-operative instructions to minimize the risk of bleeding. This may include avoiding strenuous activities, taking prescribed medications as directed, and keeping the incision site clean and dry. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns promptly. By following these guidelines, patients can help reduce the risk of complications and ensure a successful recovery after thyroid surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for thyroidectomy include those with:

  1. Thyroid cancer
  2. Benign thyroid nodules causing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, breathing, or speaking
  3. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) that is not controlled with medications
  4. Large goiters (enlarged thyroid gland) causing compression of nearby structures
  5. Recurrent thyroid nodules after previous thyroid surgery
  6. Graves’ disease (autoimmune disorder causing hyperthyroidism)
  7. Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland)
  8. Suspicion of thyroid cancer based on biopsy results

It is important for patients to discuss the risks and benefits of thyroidectomy with their healthcare provider to determine if surgery is the best treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before thyroidectomy:

  • Patient may experience symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and enlarged thyroid gland
  • Patient undergoes preoperative evaluations such as blood tests, imaging studies, and thyroid function tests
  • Patient may be prescribed medications to stabilize thyroid hormone levels
  • Patient may meet with an endocrinologist, surgeon, and anesthesiologist to discuss the procedure and potential risks

After thyroidectomy:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland
  • Patient is monitored in the recovery room for a few hours before being discharged home
  • Patient may experience temporary hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and neck pain
  • Patient may need to take thyroid hormone replacement medication for the rest of their life
  • Patient will have follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor thyroid hormone levels and overall health.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with thyroidectomy surgery?
  2. How long will the recovery process typically take after a thyroidectomy?
  3. What follow-up care will be needed after the surgery?
  4. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or dietary restrictions that I will need to follow after the surgery?
  5. What are the signs and symptoms of bleeding after thyroid surgery that I should watch out for?
  6. How will you monitor for any signs of bleeding or other complications after the surgery?
  7. What factors might increase my risk of bleeding after thyroid surgery?
  8. How soon after the surgery should I contact you if I experience any concerning symptoms?
  9. What is the likelihood of needing a second surgery to stop bleeding after the initial thyroidectomy?
  10. Are there any steps I can take to help reduce the risk of bleeding or other complications after surgery?

Reference

Authors: Lee JS, Lee JS, Yun HJ, Chang H, Kim SM, Lee YS, Chang HS. Journal: Sci Rep. 2023 Oct 26;13(1):18342. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-44323-z. PMID: 37884578