What is a common complication following a thyroidectomy?

Following a thyroidectomy, one of the potential complications that can arise is stridor, which is a high-pitched wheezing sound caused by disrupted airflow due to an obstruction in the windpipe. This can occur as a result of edema or swelling in the throat or complications related to vocal cord irritation or injury during the surgical procedure.

The anatomy of the neck and presence of surrounding structures make it crucial to monitor for respiratory difficulties in the postoperative period. When a patient exhibits stridor, it indicates an urgent situation where immediate assessment is necessary to ensure that their airway remains secure.

While other complications such as hemorrhage, infection, and hypocalcemia are relevant to thyroidectomy, stridor specifically highlights the need to assess the airway and respiratory status, which is critical in the immediate recovery phase following such surgery.