Thyroid surgeries are actually quite safe when performed by experienced surgeons. Complications in these types of surgeries are rare.
One of the most well-known potential risks of thyroid surgery is bleeding, which can occur in the hours immediately following the operation and may lead to acute respiratory distress. This risk can be minimized using special techniques during the surgery, which requires working in a confined area.
Another risk is temporary or permanent hoarseness caused by damage to the nerve that controls the vocal cords, which may occur due to swelling in the tissues near the thyroid gland. In surgeries performed by experienced hands, this risk is below 1%. However, this risk is slightly higher in surgeries involving thyroid cancer or large goiters.
Additionally, a possible risk following surgery is the development of hypocalcemia, also known as calcium deficiency, due to impaired blood supply to the parathyroid glands. In such cases, symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or cramping in the fingertips, toes, or around the lips may occur due to the drop in blood calcium levels. This condition is usually temporary and typically resolves within 1-2 weeks with calcium supplementation.
