What should be placed on either side of the neck for post-operative thyroidectomy patients?

For post-operative thyroidectomy patients, placing sand bags on either side of the neck is the correct approach. This practice serves multiple purposes, primarily providing support and stabilization to the surgical area. It helps maintain the neck in a slightly extended position which can aid in reducing tension on the surgical site and promote better healing.

Sand bags conform to the contour of the neck, evenly distributing weight and minimizing the risk of pressure injuries that could arise from harder support materials. This is particularly important for a delicate procedure like a thyroidectomy, where the neck structures are closely involved.

While other options such as ice packs or pillows may offer some comfort or cushioning, they do not provide the same level of support and stability that sand bags do.

Using gauze rolls may assist in managing drainage or minor bleeding, but they lack the necessary properties to effectively stabilize the neck post-surgery. Thus, sand bags are specifically designed to enhance patient safety and comfort during the recovery phase following thyroid surgery.