Procedure prep
Fasting Before a Thyroidectomy
A thyroidectomy removes part or all of the thyroid gland in your neck, under general anesthesia. The main preparation points are being well-controlled on your thyroid medicines and knowing the few specific things to ask about afterward.
Fasting for this procedure
→ Get your exact fasting times with the calculator
Medicines to check
- Thyroid medicines (carbimazole, methimazole, propylthiouracil, or levothyroxine) are usually continued right up to surgery — being well-controlled is important. Confirm with your team.
- Blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto) — see medications to stop.
- Diabetes medicines & insulin need a fasting-day plan. See diabetes tablets.
- Blood pressure medicines — confirm which to take with a sip of water.
- Mention any calcium or vitamin D supplements you take.
When this surgery may be delayed
- An overactive thyroid that isn't yet controlled (your team will want it settled first)
- Fever, a new cough/cold, or a chest infection
- A skin infection on the neck
- Very high blood pressure or blood sugar
- You ate or drank outside your fasting window
Reports & documents to carry
- Photo ID and your insurance or hospital paperwork
- A current list of all your medicines, doses, and allergies
- Recent thyroid blood tests, ultrasound, biopsy or scan reports
- Any vocal-cord check results if you've had one
- A bag for a short stay and a ride home
What to ask your anesthesia team
- Should I keep taking my thyroid tablets right up to the day?
- Will my whole thyroid be removed, and will I need lifelong thyroid tablets afterward?
- What's the plan to check my calcium after surgery?
- Could my voice be affected, and how is that checked?
- Will I have a drain, and how long will I stay in?
Your prep checklist
Tick things off as you sort them — saved on this device only, nothing is sent anywhere.
A general guide — your hospital's own instructions always come first.
Frequently asked questions
Should I keep taking my thyroid medicine before surgery?
Usually yes. Being well-controlled — neither over- nor under-active — matters for a safe anesthetic, so thyroid tablets like carbimazole, methimazole or levothyroxine are generally continued up to surgery. Always confirm the exact plan with your surgeon, especially if your thyroid has been overactive.
Why do they check my calcium after a thyroidectomy?
The small parathyroid glands that control calcium sit right behind the thyroid and can be bruised or affected during surgery, temporarily lowering your blood calcium. Teams check your calcium afterward and may give supplements for a while. Tell staff about any tingling in your fingers or around your mouth.
Will my voice change after thyroid surgery?
The nerves to the voice box run close to the thyroid, so a hoarse or weaker voice can happen, usually temporarily. Surgeons take great care to protect these nerves. Mention any voice changes afterward so they can be reviewed.