Table 1.

Questionnaire sent to 358 patients at least 6 months postoperatively

Which of the 5 answers is closest, please tick only one answer
□	a) After the removal of the thyroid, the swallowing process is improved overall / trouble-free, since no more items are troublesome.
□	b) I had swallowing difficulties immediately after the operation (about a week), which disappeared by themselves.
□	c) I had swallowing difficulties during the first weeks postoperatively (maximum 3 months after surgery), which disappeared without further treatment.
□	d) I had swallowing difficulties during the first weeks postoperatively (a maximum of 3 months after surgery), which required treatment by means of:__________________
□	e) I have long-lasting / still existing difficulty swallowing. (if you have ticked e), please fill in the following field)
		Never	Rare	Frequent	Always	Comment
	I must cough, and 1 have swallowing problems	□	□	□	□
	I feel discomfort swallowing	□	□	□	□
	I find it difficult to swallow meat/bread/tablets	□	□	□	□
	I had the sensation of a lump or tightness in my throat	□	□	□	□