The thyroid is a hormone-producing gland located in the front of the neck. The surgical removal of the thyroid gland may be necessary with conditions such as hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer. While this may be effective in treating a thyroid condition, there is a risk of complications from the surgery, so patients should understand the possible complications associated with thyroid surgery.
Hypothyroidism
According to MayoClinic.com, hypothyroidism is a possible complication of thyroid surgery. This occurs if the majority or the complete thyroid gland is removed from the body. Since the thyroid gland is the sole producer of thyroid hormone, a patient will have hypothyroidism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weakness, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, depression and brittle fingernails, states MayoClinic.com. A patient experiencing any of these symptoms after thyroid surgery should immediately schedule an appointment with his physician.
Loss of Voice
Loss of voice is a possible complication of thyroid surgery, states MedlinePlus. During the surgical removal of the thyroid, a surgeon may damage the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which is the nerve that controls the vocal cords and voice box. Damage to this nerve may cause a patient difficulty in reaching high notes, hoarseness, coughing swallowing problems or difficulty speaking, states MedlinePlus.
Injury to the Parathyroid Glands
MedlinePlus states that the parathyroid glands may become injured during thyroid surgery. The parathyroid glands are small glands located behind the thyroid gland. Because they control levels of calcium in the blood, an injury to or removal of the parathyroid glands can result in hypocalcemia, or low blood levels of calcium. A patient with hypocalcemia may experience abdominal pain, brittle nails, cataracts, dry hair and skin, muscle cramps, seizures, facial pain or altered levels of consciousness, states MedlinePlus. A patient should report these symptoms to her physician to determine if the parathyroid glands have been damaged.
Infection
Infection is a potential complication of most surgeries, including thyroid surgery, states MedlinePlus. Although the surgical site and surgical tools are sterilized, small amounts of bacteria may enter the skin and cause an infection. Bacteria can further spread from the skin to the neck or other parts of the body. A patient should look for excessive pain, redness, warmth and drainage from the surgical site if he suspects an infection. Furthermore, he should seek immediate medical treatment if he experiences fever, chills or night sweats, which are signs of an infection that has spread to the rest of the body.
