Thyroid nodule surgery risks

Written by Zhang Peng

General Surgery

Updated on February 05, 2025

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The hazards of thyroid surgery actually refer to the risks involved in thyroid surgery. Thyroid surgery is now a common treatment method. The main risks of thyroid surgery include anesthesia on one hand, and postoperative bleeding on the other. There might be a need for a second incision for decompression. The most common complications are choking while drinking water and hoarseness of voice, mainly due to the involvement or damage to relevant nerves during the surgery. Generally, these complications resolve after a period of adjustment, and most people can recover normally.

Other Voices

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Written by Luo Han Ying

Endocrinology

45sec

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Post-thyroidectomy complications

In clinical practice, for large thyroid nodules that cause compressive symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, breathlessness, and hoarseness, thyroid nodule excision surgery can be performed. However, this surgery can have sequelae. First, if the excised thyroid tissue is too large, it can easily lead to reduced thyroid function, requiring lifelong supplementation with thyroid hormones for treatment. Secondly, due to the sensitive location of the thyroid gland, which is surrounded by various glands and nerves, injury during surgery can lead to complications such as seizures and hoarseness, which are considered post-surgical sequelae.

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Written by Hu Jian Zhuo

Nephrology and Endocrinology

53sec

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Thyroid nodule biopsy pros and cons

Currently, thyroid nodule puncture is performed under ultrasound guidance, so it is relatively safe. Fine needle aspiration causes minimal damage to the thyroid and almost no complications occur. Generally speaking, the following few adverse reactions may occur: One is bleeding, because the thyroid is a blood-rich organ, so bleeding may occur post-puncture. It can be controlled by applying local pressure immediately after the puncture. The second is pain, which is generally mild and can be relieved within 1-2 days. The third is skin infection, which is more likely in patients who are obese, have numerous skin folds, and sweat easily. In such cases, antibiotic treatment may be necessary. The fourth is injury to the trachea and nerves, although this is very unlikely and typically resolves on its own.

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Written by Hu Jian Zhuo

Nephrology and Endocrinology

1min 55sec

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Thyroid nodule examination checks what

Generally, when thyroid nodules are detected, one should visit the hospital's breast and thyroid surgery department or the endocrinology department. If you find a thyroid nodule, you can consult a doctor and undergo some relevant tests based on your specific situation. Typically, the following tests are conducted: 1. Thyroid ultrasound: This can determine the size, number, location, texture, shape, and edges of the nodules, including whether there is calcification. It also examines the blood supply within the thyroid nodule, the relationship with surrounding tissues, and assesses whether there are lymph nodes in the neck and the nature of these lymph nodes. 2. Blood tests are needed to measure thyroid function, particularly the level of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). Higher levels of TSH indicate that the thyroid nodule is more likely to be proliferative, and thus, the risk of thyroid cancer increases. In addition, Thyroglobulin (Tg) can be measured. Another measure is Serum Calcitonin (Ct). If serum calcitonin is > 100 pg/mL, medullary thyroid cancer should be highly considered, as these cancer cells can secrete large amounts of serum calcitonin, causing this marker to significantly increase. Nuclear isotope imaging is also performed. If the nodule is large and TSH levels are low, a thyroid radionuclide scan is conducted to see if the nodule is a hyperfunctioning adenoma. When necessary, a Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB) is also performed. Fine needle aspiration is an invasive test, but it is currently an important and most efficient method to assess the benign or malignant nature of the nodule. It is generally performed under ultrasound guidance.

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Written by Hu Jian Zhuo

Nephrology and Endocrinology

1min 16sec

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Are thyroid nodules serious?

The severity of thyroid nodules needs to be assessed based on their nature, size, function, and location. Generally, they can be classified into benign and malignant, with malignant nodules being thyroid cancer, which requires timely treatment. Surgical treatment is the main method for treating thyroid cancer, whereas most benign nodules do not require special handling. Regarding the size of the thyroid nodules, if the nodules are too large and compress surrounding tissues such as the trachea, esophagus, and nerves, surgical treatment is recommended. For common benign nodules, regular observation is sufficient. Functionally, some thyroid nodules may affect thyroid function, such as in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which can present with diffuse multiple nodules, leading to either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. In such cases, appropriate medication treatment is needed. From a positional perspective, ectopic growth of thyroid nodules, if located at areas like the base of the ear, pharynx, neck, esophagus, or thoracic cavity, is a rare congenital developmental anomaly. If such a nodule significantly enlarges and compresses surrounding tissues, surgical treatment is advised.

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Written by Li Jin Quan

General Surgery

45sec

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Diet for thyroid nodules calcification

Patients with calcified thyroid nodules need to be cautious about their diet. Firstly, they should avoid irritating foods such as chili peppers, ginger, garlic, strong tea, coffee, and alcohol. Secondly, they should not consume foods high in fiber as these can cause diarrhea. Instead, they should eat foods rich in carbohydrates and fats, which provide energy and reduce the consumption of proteins in the body, as proteins play an important role in physiological regulation. Additionally, these patients should consume foods rich in vitamins and minerals to aid physiological metabolism. Lastly, it is beneficial for patients with calcified thyroid nodules to include animal organs in their diet.