Being knowledgeable about the procedure you are going to receive is one of the best ways to assure that everything will run smoothly. When you know what to expect, there are no surprises and you can relax into the process and trust the expertise of your thyroid surgeon.
Dr. Kroeker has proven time after time that she is skilled, knowledgeable, confident, and kind. She expects her patients to come to her with any questions they have about their operation, so that her patients are well-informed and confident prior to going to surgery.
Here are some of the top questions Dr. Kroeker is asked every single day and her answers. If you have questions of your own, please give us a call during business hours at 512-498-4850, or email us using the blue box (Ask Dr. Kroeker) in the bottom right corner of your browser. Thank you.
Top questions asked of Dr. Kroeker about surgery:
- Will my voice be affected by surgery?
- How long does surgery take? How long is the recovery period?
- How to avoid the risks of surgery?
- Are there other forms of treatment for known thyroid nodules?
- Is radioactive iodine treatment recommended? Why or why not?
- Can you have thyroid or parathyroid surgery without the neck scar?
- Will I need to take calcium after surgery?
- When do you recommend thyroid surgery?
- What type of instruments do you use for surgery and how will they affect me cosmetically?
- What is the difference between invasive surgery and minimally invasive surgery?
- Do you ever suggest use of different thyroid hormone replacement drug options to find what works best?
- Do you investigate not only blood work, but also hypothyroidism symptoms, medical history, family history, and physical signs?
- Will I have an increase risk of scarring if I am an African American or have dark complexion?
- Do you conduct a full thyroid blood panel including Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, and Thyroid Antibodies?
- What’s the difference between hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism?
- Could thyroid surgery affect my ability to become pregnant or have children?
- Will thyroid surgery affect my sex life? If so, how and for how long?
- What are the short-term and long-term side effects of thyroid surgery?
- Will any of these treatments cause hypothyroidism? If so, what can I expect during this time?
- Will I need to follow a low-iodine diet following surgery?
- How does Dr. Teresa Kroeker keep the right mindset before and after surgery?
- How much will my thyroid surgery cost?
- Who is a part of Dr. Kroeker’s surgical team?
- Can you have thyroid or parathyroid surgery without the neck scar?
- What should a patient expect before, during, and after fine needle aspiration (FNA)?
- What is the difference between thyroid and parathyroid surgery?
- When to call for advice following surgery? What is cause for alarm?
- Is radioactive iodine treatment recommended? Why or why not?
- Will I lead a normal life after surgery?
- How will I be evaluated prior to the operation?
- Do I need to change my diet or medication before or after surgery?
- What happens to my blood calcium levels following surgery?
- How do I care for my incision following surgery?
- Will I need or receive pain medication following surgery?
- Are there any restrictions following surgery?
- How to avoid the risks of thyroid and parathyroid surgery?
- What is the difference between a total thyroidectomy and a lobectomy?
- Will I need a follow-up once my thyroid gland has been removed?
- How long does parathyroid or thyroid surgery take? How long is the recovery period?
- What to look for in a thyroid or parathyroid surgeon?
- Is it necessary to have a local or general anesthetic during thyroid or parathyroid surgery?
- How big is the scar left by thyroid surgery? How do you minimize scarring?
- Will I need to take calcium after thyroid surgery?
- When do you recommend thyroid surgery?
If you still have questions of your own, please give us a call during business hours at 512-498-4850, or email us using the blue box (Ask Dr. Kroeker) in the bottom right corner of your browser. Thank you.