How long is the typical recovery time after thyroid surgery?

Patients typically stay in the hospital for 24 hours following a thyroidectomy and can resume normal activities within 10 days, according to Mayo Clinic. Patients can eat and drink after the surgery.

A thyroidectomy is a surgical operation that aims to remove all or part of a problematic thyroid gland, explains Mayo Clinic. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate metabolism. A thyroidectomy is used to treat thyroid cancer, goiter and hyperthyroidism. The thyroid may be able to function normally if only part of it is removed during the surgery. Hormone treatment is required for individuals who have their entire thyroid removed.