Sutures and Wound Repair/ General Surgery (ABSA) Practice Test

What is a potential complication from postoperative edema after a thyroidectomy?

1. Tracheal compression

2. Vocal cord paralysis

3. Hypocalcemia

4. Hyperthyroidism

The correct answer is: Tracheal compression

Postoperative edema following a thyroidectomy can lead to significant complications due to the anatomical proximity of the thyroid gland to critical structures in the neck, particularly the trachea. In this context, edema can cause tracheal compression, which may result in respiratory distress. This is a critical concern post-surgery, as the swelling can lead to impaired airflow and may require immediate intervention, such as airway management. While vocal cord paralysis can occur after a thyroidectomy due to injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, it is not directly associated with edema but rather with nerve damage during the surgical procedure itself. Hypocalcemia may occur due to parathyroid gland damage or removal during thyroid surgery, but it is not a direct consequence of edema. Similarly, hyperthyroidism is unrelated to postoperative edema and might instead be a condition addressed by the surgery itself. Thus, tracheal compression stands out as a significant and immediate risk from swelling in the postoperative period, necessitating careful monitoring and management.