OPERATIVE TREATMENT OF THYROTOXICOSIS

Abstract

A total of 434 patients underwent operations for thyrotoxicosis between 1948 and 1951. Of these, 414 were followed up 4-7 years after the operation. The primary mortality was less than 1/1000. Relatively few immediate and few lasting complications were encountered. Four per cent of the patients had recurrences, two-thirds of which appeared after 2 years. The incidence of recurrence showed no sex difference. Hypothyroidism developed in 7.6% of the patients. In 2/3 it appeared within 6 months after the operation. There was no sex difference. Hypothyroidism appeared to develop more often in patients with rich lymphocytic infiltration of the thyroid gland.