What are the risks and recovery expectations?

Risks include temporary or permanent hypoparathyroidism (affecting calcium levels), recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (causing voice changes), bleeding, infection, and radiation-related side effects like dry mouth or taste changes. Recovery from surgery typically takes 4-6 weeks, with most patients returning to normal activities within 2-3 weeks. Post-I-131, you may experience mild nausea or fatigue, and you must avoid close contact with pregnant women and children for about 1-2 weeks. Lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy is required after the procedure.