thyroid surgery complications Flashcards
1
Q
what is an anatomical complication following thyroid surgery?
A
recurrent laryngeal n. damage
2
Q
how does bleeding post-thyroid surgery lead to stridor?
A
due to the confined space, haematomas may rapidly lead to respiratory compromise owing to laryngeal oedema
bleed → increased pressure behind suture lines → trachea compressed → stridor
3
Q
what does damage to the parathyroid glands result in?
A
hypocalcaemia
4
Q
post-op stridor in pts who have undergone neck surgery is a life-threatening emergency. how would you manage these pts?
A
- ABCDE approach - identify compromised airway and breathing
- urgent removal of sutures (to relieve stridor) and call for senior help