Our Summary

This research study looks at how a surgical procedure called a total thyroidectomy impacts the quality of life for people with Graves’ disease. Graves’ disease is a condition that affects the thyroid and is the cause of about 80% of hyperthyroidism cases.

The researchers gathered data from 85 adults with Graves’ disease over a period of five years, using a questionnaire to ask about symptoms and quality of life before and after surgery. They found that the symptoms and overall quality of life improved significantly after surgery, both in the short term (less than 30 days after surgery) and the long term (more than 30 days after surgery).

Before surgery, the average overall symptom score was 56.88. This dropped to 39.60 shortly after surgery, indicating that the patients were experiencing fewer symptoms. This improvement was also reflected in scores related to specific thyroid symptoms and overall quality of life.

This information can be helpful in guiding doctors and patients as they make decisions about treatment for Graves’ disease. In other words, the results suggest that a total thyroidectomy can lead to a significant improvement in quality of life for people with this condition.

FAQs

  1. What is the impact of a total thyroidectomy on the quality of life for people with Graves’ disease?
  2. How did the symptoms and overall quality of life change after Graves’ disease patients underwent a total thyroidectomy?
  3. How can the research study findings be used in treatment decision-making for Graves’ disease?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about thyroidectomy is to follow up regularly with blood tests to monitor thyroid hormone levels and adjust medication as needed. This will help ensure that the patient’s thyroid function remains stable and that they continue to feel their best after surgery. Additionally, it is important to communicate any new symptoms or concerns to your healthcare provider so they can address them promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for thyroidectomy include:

  1. Patients with Graves’ disease who are not responsive to or cannot tolerate antithyroid medications.
  2. Patients with large thyroid nodules causing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing.
  3. Patients with thyroid cancer who require removal of the thyroid gland.
  4. Patients with thyroid nodules that are suspicious for cancer.
  5. Patients with hyperthyroidism due to toxic multinodular goiter.
  6. Patients with recurrent hyperthyroidism after previous treatment with antithyroid medications or radioactive iodine therapy.
  7. Patients with severe symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as rapid heart rate, weight loss, tremors, and heat intolerance, that are not adequately controlled with medication.

Timeline

Timeline:

  • Before surgery: Patients experience symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as weight loss, rapid heart rate, anxiety, and tremors. They may also experience fatigue, muscle weakness, and heat intolerance. Quality of life is generally lower due to these symptoms.
  • During surgery: The patient undergoes a total thyroidectomy, which involves the removal of the entire thyroid gland. The surgery typically takes a few hours and requires a hospital stay.
  • Immediately after surgery: Patients may experience temporary hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and neck pain. They will also need to take thyroid hormone replacement medication for the rest of their lives to regulate hormone levels.
  • Less than 30 days after surgery: Patients start to experience a significant improvement in symptoms and overall quality of life. The average overall symptom score decreases, indicating that patients are feeling better and experiencing fewer symptoms.
  • More than 30 days after surgery: Patients continue to see improvements in symptoms and quality of life. The long-term benefits of the surgery become more apparent as the body adjusts to the absence of the thyroid gland.

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after thyroidectomy involves experiencing symptoms of hyperthyroidism, undergoing surgery, experiencing temporary side effects, and ultimately seeing significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a thyroidectomy?
  2. How will the surgery impact my thyroid hormone levels and will I need to take medication afterwards?
  3. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
  4. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or modifications to my diet after the surgery?
  5. How will the surgery impact my ability to speak, swallow, or breathe?
  6. What follow-up care will be needed after the surgery?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider before deciding on a thyroidectomy?
  8. How will the surgery impact my overall quality of life, including any potential changes in energy levels, mood, or weight?
  9. What is the success rate of thyroidectomy for Graves’ disease and how likely is it that my symptoms will improve after the surgery?
  10. Are there any long-term implications or considerations I should be aware of after undergoing a thyroidectomy?

Reference

Authors: Gunn AH, Frisco N, Thomas SM, Stang MT, Scheri RP, Kazaure HS. Journal: Thyroid. 2022 Jan;32(1):54-64. doi: 10.1089/thy.2021.0285. Epub 2021 Dec 3. PMID: 34663089