Generally Speaking

Why do I need thyroid surgery?

Thyroid surgery is frequently used to treat thyroid cancer and is sometimes the preferred approach to dealing with goiter, nodules or an overactive thyroid. The extent of the surgery depends on the type of thyroid condition that is being treated.

How should I be evaluated prior to the operation?

All patients considering thyroid surgery should be evaluated preoperatively with a thorough and comprehensive medical history and physical exam, including cardiopulmonary (heart) evaluation. Any patients who has had any change in voice or who have had a previous neck operation should have their vocal cord function evaluated preoperatively. Your surgeon will work with your physician(s) to complete any testing needed prior to the surgery.

What are the potential risks?

Possible risks include bleeding, injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve that can cause permanent hoarseness, and damage to the parathyroid glands that control calcium levels in the body, causing hypoparathyroidism. The overall risk of complications should be very low (<2%) with an experienced surgeon.

What can I expect with thyroid surgery?

You will be scheduled for your pre-op evaluation and will meet with the anesthesiologist. You should have nothing to eat or drink after midnight on the day before surgery. The surgery usually takes 2-2½ hours, after which time you will slowly wake up in the recovery room.
There may be a surgical drain in the incision in your neck (which will be removed the morning after the surgery) and your throat may be sore because of the breathing tube placed during the operation. Once you are fully awake, you will be moved to a bed in a hospital room where you will be able to eat and drink as you wish.
Most patients having thyroid operations are hospitalized for about 24 hours and can be discharged on the morning following the operation.

How long will it take to recover from surgery?

Patients are usually able to return to normal activities the day after surgery. Vigorous activity such as exercising and activities that include heavy lifting should be delayed for at least ten days.
Once you have recovered from the effects of thyroid surgery, you usually will be able to doing anything that you could do prior to surgery.

Breast Surgery with Dr. Bo Blessing

Esophageal Cancer with Dr. Hank West

July 20, 2009, Charleston County Medical Society Elects Fitts as President

December 4, 2008, Featured in the Charleston Mercury "One Miraculous Operation

“Dr. Blessing at Surgical Associates helped me through a difficult time. He was caring and conscientious. He knew what he was doing and he did an excellent job. The staff is excellent when you call for an appointment; they always try to accommodate you. This is a good practice. I know some other people that have gone here as well, and they have all been very pleased.”
-Elizabeth Tammenga
Breast cancer patient Dr. Walter D. “Bo” Blessing, Physician