Head and neck surgery

 

Procedure Sedentary admin Sedentary light manual Active light manual Heavy manual Physically demanding
Hemi-thyroidectomy 1-2 weeks 1-2 weeks 1-4 weeks 2-8 weeks 3-8 weeks
Intracranial aneurysm endovascular coiling or mesh1 2 weeks 2 weeks 2 weeks 2 weeks 24 weeks2
Nasal septoplasty 3-7 days 3-7 days 3-7 days 7-14 days 6-12 weeks
Parotid gland removal 2 weeks 2 weeks 2 weeks 2-4 weeks 2-4 weeks
Submandibular gland removal 1-2 weeks 1-2 weeks 1-2 weeks 2-3 weeks 2-4 weeks
Subtotal thyroidectomy 1-3 weeks 1-3 weeks 1-4 weeks 2-8 weeks 3-8 weeks
Total thyroidectomy 2-3 weeks 2-3 weeks 2-4 weeks 2-8 weeks 3-8 weeks
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt3 6 weeks 6 weeks 6 weeks 6 weeks 12 weeks4
Wisdom teeth removal 1-3 days 1-3 days 1-3 days 3-4 days 3-4 days

1. Check 'Assessing fitness to drive – a guide for medical professionals' as the law on informing DVLA and subsequent driving depends on location of AVM and type of licence.

2. Physically demanding work and contact sports should be avoided until after the 6-month MRI scan and review to ensure these activities can be resumed safely.

3. Inform DVLA and do not resume driving until cleared (check 'Assessing fitness to drive – a guide for medical professionals', usually six months after surgery)

4. Physically demanding work and contact sports should be avoided until after specialist review.