Before & After Surgery
Read more below for what to expect before and after surgery
Download Post-op InstructionsWhat to expect before surgery:
At your pre-operative consultation with Dr. Temmermand you will review your condition along with existing laboratory workup and images. Additional testing will be ordered as needed. We will discuss the most current treatment options including non-surgical management. We will advise what treatment is best for your condition and align that with you as an individual person. Most often, we perform an ultrasound of the neck and examination of the vocal folds during this visit.
You will also receive Dr. Temmermand's email address to ensure you can contact him easily with additional questions. His cell phone number will be provided the day of surgery.
*If you are on blood thinners, including aspirin, we will need to stop them 3-7 days before surgery. We will discuss this with your other doctors.
The Day Of Surgery
Please arrive when directed. You should receive a call the night prior with an arrival time.
Nothing to eat or drink, including gum, the day of unless directed by anesthesia.
Please only take medications as directed by the preoperative nurse.
You will get Dr. Temmermand's cell phone number the day of surgery.
After Surgery
You can shower the night of surgery if needed but we would prefer that you pat the area dry and avoid soaking the incision for at least 1 week.
Try to allow the skin glue to remain intact for 3 weeks. Then, you can pull the sterile tape off which will remove most of the glue. The rest can be flaked off. Should it come off early, keep it clean and dry for the first week.
Avoid sunlight for the first 6-12 months. UV light can cause uneven and sometimes permanent tanning in the scar. A combination of sunblock and covering the incision will protect it.
Expect some mild swelling above the incision. This is normal and will improve over a few weeks to months. You can massage the area to help.
Most lotions/potions aren't terribly useful and waste money. Your incision was closed in a cosmetic fashion. Silicone sheeting has proven to be effective at reducing scarring. You may use this after the glue/bandage has fallen off.
A number of patients will comment on a sensation of having a lump in the throat after thyroid surgery. This is very common. Using daily antacids such prilosec or nexium can help.
We recommend light, non-fatty soft foods the same day. You may resume a normal diet the following morning.
Pathology results usually take 1-2 weeks. We will discuss the results at your follow-up appointment.
You will follow-up with your endocrinologist approximately 2-4 weeks after surgery.
Avoid all blood thinners for 1 week unless discussed with Dr. Temmermand
You may drive after 3-5 days if not on prescription pain medications.
No lifting greater than 10lbs for 7-10 days. Walking is okay but no strenuous exercise.
It's also best to avoid routine household chores for a week.
~90% of patients feel that the narcotic medication is too strong for their post-surgical discomfort.
Pain medication is usually needed for the first evening. Then, many will switch to full strength acetaminophen (1000mg every 6 hours; max 4000mg per 24 hours).
Avoid NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen or celecoxib for 7-10 days.
At the Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery Center of New Jersey, Dr. David Temmermand is one of the most highly skilled head and neck endocrine surgeons in America.
