Pain Management Expectations

Thank you for choosing UCLA for your endocrine surgery care.

An important part of preparing for surgery is understanding what to expect during recovery, especially when it comes to pain management. We want to help you make an informed decision about whether you will need narcotic pain medication after surgery.

Most patients recover very well using non-narcotic pain medications alone.

Narcotic pain medications, also known as opioids, can help control pain, but they may also cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, and a “foggy” feeling. There is also a small but real risk of long-term dependence. While some patients benefit from narcotics, our goal is to use them only when truly necessary.

Studies of patients undergoing the same type of neck surgery found that more than 90% recovered using Tylenol alone. None of these patients required narcotic medication after discharge.

To help minimize discomfort, we use a long-acting local anesthetic around the incision. You may notice temporary numbness around your neck, jaw, ears, or lower face during the first day after surgery. This is normal and expected.

After surgery, it is common to experience mild discomfort at the incision site and some throat soreness from the breathing tube used during anesthesia. These symptoms are usually most noticeable on the second day after surgery and then gradually improve.

We recommend applying ice packs to your neck for 20 minutes every three to four hours during the first couple of days after surgery. Tylenol is usually sufficient for pain control. If additional relief is needed, ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin, can be taken between Tylenol doses. These medications can be used safely together.

You will receive written instructions explaining exactly how to manage your pain and which over-the-counter medications to use.

If you choose to go home without a narcotic prescription and later find that your pain is greater than expected, help is always available. Our team can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and if necessary, we can quickly send a prescription to your pharmacy.

Before discharge, we will ask whether you would like a prescription for narcotic pain medication. Understanding your options ahead of time can help you feel more comfortable making that decision.

Thank you for being an active partner in your care. We are confident that you will have a smooth recovery and are always here if you need us.

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