What is the Recommended Disinfection Area for Thyroid Surgery?

Clinically, thyroid surgery is a common surgical procedure in the head and neck region. Before any surgical procedure, it is necessary to disinfect the corresponding area. However, the specific range of disinfection varies greatly depending on the surgical site. For thyroid surgery, the disinfection range should extend to the level of the lower lip above, reach the anterior margin of the bilateral trapezius muscles on both sides, and extend to the level of the bilateral nipple line below.

During thyroid surgery, patients usually lie in a supine position with their shoulders raised and heads tilted backwards to fully expose the surgical area. The disinfection range should extend to the level of the lower lip above, reach the anterior margin of the bilateral trapezius muscles on both sides, and extend to the level of the bilateral nipple line below. The disinfection should be centered on the surgical area and performed from inside to outside.

Firstly, patients need to pay special attention to their diet after surgery. Especially within 3 to 5 days after surgery, patients should mainly consume liquid food as they may experience difficulty swallowing. Therefore, family members should prepare some easy-to-digest foods. For the first week after surgery, patients should eat bland foods to avoid stimulating the gastrointestinal tract and aid digestion and absorption. Within two weeks after surgery, patients should consume soft foods but also need to appropriately supplement iodine-rich foods such as seaweed, sea cucumber, and hairtail. It is crucial to avoid smoking, drinking, and greasy foods after surgery.

Secondly, patients need to rest well. After surgery, the body becomes very weak, and patients should not return to work immediately to prevent infection and hinder recovery. Generally, it is recommended to rest for 1 to 2 weeks before engaging in light physical activities and returning to work within one month after surgery. Balanced nutrition is essential for recovery, and patients should consider enhancing their nutrition appropriately. Avoid excessive fatigue as it can lead to recurrent episodes. Lastly, it is important for patients to regularly visit the hospital for follow-up checks after surgery.