What is the cause of edema after unilateral thyroidectomy

Thyroid cancer is a common endocrine tumor in clinical practice. Common causes of edema after unilateral resection of thyroid cancer patients include nerve damage, incision infection, obstructed lymphatic return, and postoperative hematoma.

1. Damage to nerves: During surgery, patients with thyroid cancer need to ligate or suture many important blood vessels in the neck, which may pull or damage the nerves on both sides. This may cause edema on one side after surgery, and sometimes accompanied by hoarseness. Usually, after a period of recovery, the nerve edema can be absorbed and recovered on its own;

2. Incision infection: If incision infection or even surrounding abscess occurs after surgery, it may cause edema in patients with thyroid cancer who have unilateral resection, accompanied by subcutaneous fluctuation and tenderness of the incision, as well as redness, swelling, nodules, and pus overflow. The sutures should be removed in time, and the incision should be drained. Pay attention to keeping the drainage tube unobstructed, and antibiotics should be used to control infection, such as cefuroxime axetil, amoxicillin, etc.

3. Obstruction of lymphatic return: If both sides of the lymph nodes are removed during surgery, it may cause obstruction of lymphatic return after surgery, resulting in postoperative edema, which may be accompanied by numbness. Usually, lymph node dissection can be performed to relieve symptoms;

4. Postoperative hematoma: If the bleeding is not completely stopped during the operation or the sutures of the ligated blood vessels fall off after the operation, it may cause postoperative hematoma. If the hematoma is small, it can be treated with antibiotics, such as ceftriaxone sodium, ofloxacin, etc. If the hematoma is large and conservative treatment is ineffective, it should be promptly incised and drained to remove the hematoma.

After surgery, patients can perform appropriate neck function exercises and have their thyroid function and ultrasound checked regularly. If there are signs of tumor recurrence, treatment should be carried out promptly. At the same time, patients should maintain a happy mood, pay attention to rest, and avoid staying up late.