Preparing questions in advance can help patients have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions about thyroid surgery:

1. Why are you recommending thyroid surgery instead of medication or other treatment methods?
   
   
2. What type of thyroid surgery do you recommend for me? Why?
   
   
3. What risks can this surgery have for me?
   
   
4. How should I prepare for the surgery?
   
   
5. How much of my thyroid gland will be removed?
   
   
6. How long will it be before I fully recover?
   
   
7. What are the signs that my parathyroid glands have been damaged?
   
   
8. What can be done if I experience hoarseness following my surgery?
   
   
9. Will I need to take thyroid medication following my surgery?
   
   
10. What is my long-term prognosis?