Our Summary

This research paper looks at how often patients with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) are recommended to have their thyroid removed (thyroidectomy), and why. The researchers looked at 864 patients with hyperthyroidism, 237 of whom had a thyroidectomy between 2011 and 2016. They found that there was a significant increase in the number of thyroidectomies over this period, from 31 in 2011 to 61 in 2016. The most common reasons for recommending surgery were because the patient could not tolerate or was not responding to medication for hyperthyroidism, the patient chose to have surgery, or the patient had symptoms indicating blockage. The average time from being diagnosed with hyperthyroidism to having surgery was 8 months, and 7 months from starting medication to surgery. There was no significant difference in these times across the years studied.

FAQs

  1. How many patients with hyperthyroidism were recommended to have their thyroid removed in the study?
  2. What were the most common reasons for recommending a thyroidectomy to patients with hyperthyroidism?
  3. What was the average time from diagnosis and starting medication to surgery for hyperthyroidism patients?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about thyroidectomy is to discuss all possible treatment options, including medication and surgery, and weigh the benefits and risks of each option carefully before making a decision. It is important to have a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider about your individual situation, symptoms, and preferences to determine the best course of treatment for you. Additionally, it is important to follow up with your healthcare provider regularly after surgery to monitor your thyroid hormone levels and adjust medication as needed.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for thyroidectomy include those who cannot tolerate or do not respond to medication for hyperthyroidism, those who choose to have surgery, and those who have symptoms indicating blockage. The average time from diagnosis to surgery is around 8 months, and from starting medication to surgery is around 7 months. The number of thyroidectomies for hyperthyroidism has increased over the years, indicating a growing trend in recommending surgery for these patients.

Timeline

Before thyroidectomy:

  • Patient is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism
  • Patient may be prescribed medication to manage symptoms
  • Patient may experience symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, tremors, and anxiety
  • Patient may undergo tests such as blood tests, ultrasound, and radioactive iodine uptake scan to determine the cause of hyperthyroidism
  • Patient may consult with an endocrinologist or surgeon to discuss treatment options

After thyroidectomy:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland
  • Patient may stay in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and recovery
  • Patient may experience temporary hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or neck pain after surgery
  • Patient may need to take thyroid hormone replacement medication for the rest of their life
  • Patient may need regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor thyroid hormone levels and adjust medication as needed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the benefits of having a thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism compared to other treatment options?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with thyroidectomy?
  3. How long is the recovery process after a thyroidectomy and what can I expect during this time?
  4. Will I need to take thyroid hormone replacement medication after the surgery?
  5. How will a thyroidectomy affect my long-term health and quality of life?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or approaches to managing hyperthyroidism that I should consider before deciding on surgery?
  7. How experienced is the surgeon who will be performing the thyroidectomy and what is their success rate with this procedure?
  8. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what can I expect during the procedure?
  9. How often will I need to follow up with my doctor after the surgery and what ongoing care will be required?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after having a thyroidectomy?

Reference

Authors: Asban A, Anue A, Xie R, Chen H. Journal: J Surg Res. 2020 Feb;246:435-441. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2019.09.020. Epub 2019 Oct 17. PMID: 31630881