Surgical treatment of thyrotoxicosis

Br Med J. 1970 Feb 28;1(5695):519-23. doi: 10.1136/bmj.1.5695.519.

Abstract

A retrospective study of thyrotoxic patients treated by subtotal thyroidectomy between 2 and 21 years ago in the north-east of Scotland showed that 20% of the patients could not be identified or traced at the time of the survey. The thyroid status of 40% of patients followed up was abnormal.It is now accepted that radioiodine treatment of thyrotoxicosis is followed by a significant incidence of late onset hypothyroidism, and life-long follow-up is regarded as obligatory. The findings in this study indicate that similar methods of aftercare are required for surgically treated patients and for all patients receiving thyroxine-replacement therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Diet
  • Electrocardiography
  • Environment
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperthyroidism / diagnosis
  • Hyperthyroidism / surgery*
  • Hypothyroidism / diagnosis
  • Hypothyroidism / drug therapy
  • Hypothyroidism / etiology
  • Iodine Isotopes
  • Male
  • Reflex
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Thyroid Function Tests
  • Thyroidectomy / adverse effects
  • Thyroxine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Iodine Isotopes
  • Thyroxine