EXPERIENCES IN TREATING TOXIC GOITER IN A LARGE PUBLIC HOSPITAL

Abstract

The authors advise deferring the operation when the patient fails to gain or is losing weight; when emotional instability and muscular weakness are marked; when the basal metabolic rate is plus 60% or higher, in spite of I; when the disease is increasing rapidly in severity; when less than 2 wks. has elapsed after the disappearance of an upper respiratory infection; and when cardiac decompensation is present. Roentgen-ray therapy may be of help in preparing for operation patients otherwise refractory to treatment. If hospitals wish to keep their mortality rates at the lowest possible level they must regulate the management of thyroid disease to internists and surgeons who are specially qualified in this field.