How long does neck swelling last after thyroidectomy?
You will see swelling or bruising develop in the area around the incision 1-3 days after surgery. You may also notice swelling, firmness, a pulling sensation, or even some trouble swallowing. This often increases over the first 1-2 weeks and then begins to resolve over 6-8 weeks.
Is neck swelling normal after thyroidectomy?
Swelling. The incision will be slightly raised and there may be swelling and light bruising at the incision site. This is normal for several weeks after surgery and will resolve over time. You may also feel a sensation of swelling or firmness that will also resolve over time.
How do you know if you have a hematoma after thyroidectomy?
Patients with post-thyroidectomy hematoma may present with respiratory distress, pain or a pressure sensation in the neck or dysphagia. The signs include progressive neck swelling, suture line bleeding, dyspnea or stridor and a significant amount of drain losses (6).
How do I reduce swelling in my neck after thyroidectomy?
Elevate the head of your bed 30 to 45o for the first 3 to 4 days to decrease swelling. The skin above the incision may look swollen after lying down for a few hours. Avoid any activity that raises your blood pressure for one week (eg. heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, etc.).
How do I make the swelling in my neck go down?
Lifestyle and home remedies
- Apply a warm compress. Apply a warm, wet compress, such as a washcloth dipped in hot water and wrung out, to the affected area.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
- Get adequate rest.
What are the side effects of a thyroidectomy?
After your thyroidectomy or thyroid lobectomy, you may have a temporary sore throat, neck pain, difficulty swallowing or a weak voice. Your diet will be restricted for the evening of your surgery, but in most cases, it can return to normal the next day.
How do you treat a neck hematoma?
These measures usually help to reduce inflammation and diminish its symptoms.
- Rest.
- Ice (Apply the ice or cold pack for 20 minutes at a time, 4 to 8 times a day.)
- Compress (Compression can be achieved by using elastic bandages.)
- Elevate (Elevation of the injured area above the level of the heart is recommended.)
What causes swelling after thyroidectomy?
The commonest cause of a post-thyroidectomy neck swelling is a haematoma, especially when the swelling appears within 48 h of surgery. While a small haematoma may be managed conservatively, large haematomas and those causing airway compromise would require immediate surgical drainage.
Can swollen glands make your entire neck hurt?
An inflamed thyroid gland is also a possible cause of neck pain and swelling, usually centralized at the front of the neck. A physical examination by a doctor should be able to discern the cause of the swelling.
Does my neck look swollen?
Benign skin conditions can cause small areas of the neck to appear swollen. Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck is a common symptom of many different types of viral and bacterial infections. Thyroid gland enlargement is a familiar cause of neck swelling in adults. In rare cases, neck swelling can be a result of cancer.
What are the side effects after thyroid surgery?
If you are having thyroid surgery, known as a thyroidectomy, it’s important to know what to expect as you recover. Side effects of surgery are common and include neck pain, a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and temporary hypoparathyroidism.
Can hypothyroidism cause a swollen neck?
Hypothyroidism is far more common. A swelling or enlargement in the neck is a visible clue that something may be wrong with the thyroid. A goiter may occur with either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Sometimes swelling in the neck can result from thyroid cancer or nodules, lumps that grow inside the thyroid.