Lithium carbonate-induced giant goiter and subclinical hyperthyroidism in a patient with schizophrenia: A case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Lithium carbonate is used to manage various mood disorders, but it can cause thyroid abnormalities, including goiter, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism. In rare cases, it can lead to giant goiter and subclinical hyperthyroidism, which may require surgical intervention in severe cases. CASE SUMMARY: This case represents a rare development of giant goiter and subclinical hyperthyroidism in a schizophrenia patient who was subjected to prolonged lithium carbonate treatment. The enlarged thyroid gland caused pressure on the airway and recurrent laryngeal nerve, which led to respiratory distress, hoarseness, and dysphagia. The immediate danger of suffocation required urgent surgical intervention. In this report, we describe the case of a 41-year-old Chinese woman. This sheds light on the etiology and challenges associated with managing a giant goiter. The patient underwent a subtotal thyroidectomy to relieve airway compression and facilitate airway expansion. Prior to the procedure, the patient was given iodine to prepare. Concurrently, changes were made to the psychiatric medication regimen. Following surgery, the patient's respiratory function and vocal cord functionality improved significantly, and her mental state remained stable. CONCLUSION: It is essential to monitor thyroid function, test thyroid antibody levels, and perform thyroid ultrasounds consistently in all patients undergoing long-term lithium carbonate treatment. This vigilance helps prevent severe and potentially life-threatening thyroid enlargement.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with subtotal thyroidectomy: Case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Postoperative complication of thoracic surgery often consists of bleeding, pneumothorax, pulmonary atelectasis, infection, etc.; however, concomitant diseases such as thyroid hormone disorder deserve to think about and summarized. CASE PRESENTATION: This case was reported as a rare postoperative cardiopulmonary arrested of a 46-year-woman who presented bilateral lung nodules with concomitant subtotal thyroidectomy 2 months ago with Toremifene Citrate to sustain thyroid hormones. 3D-VATS was allowed to be conducted after her preoperative examination and blood tests. Unexpectedly, she suddenly fell in the bathroom at 5 pm the next day. Thirty minutes later, while finding cardiopulmonary arrest CPR endotracheal intubation assisted ventilation; in the meantime, that conducted vasoactive interventions for 50 min. Finally, the patient's heart rhythm recovered, and her vital sign index slowly tended to normal. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Cardiopulmonary arrested usually occurs in massive invasive surgery, sudden severe diseases such as stroke, myocardial infarction, or pulmonary embolism. Even if certain chronic physical diseases are related, clinical symptoms usually catch the surgeon's attention. Ultimately, the excluded major inducing reasons during the medical process in ICU; by contract, it is still to discuss the thyroid hormones disorder that could not convince us to explain this postoperative cardiopulmonary arrest. CONCLUSION: Although this cardiopulmonary resuscitation for more than 30 min and following medical treatment in ICU was undoubtedly successful, it is necessary to focus on managing concomitant thyroid hormones during surgery and think about certain physiological changes if it was one of the reasons.

A hypothyroid mother after subtotal thyroidectomy delivered a newborn with hyperthyroidism from fetal stage: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal hyperthyroidism is an extension of fetal disease. Most cases of neonatal hyperthyroidism are transient but may excessively harm multiple organ functions through the actions of maternal thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies on the neonatal thyroid gland. CASE PRESENTATION: The hyperthyroid mother underwent subtotal thyroidectomy before pregnancy and regularly took levothyroxine to avoid hypothyroidism, but still had a high-level thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TRAb). The neonate suffered from hyperthyroidism due to the transplacental TRAb. After a regular medication schedule of an antithyroid drug, combined with a ß-blocker to control the ventricular rate, the infant gradually recovered, allowing normal motor and intellectual development. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal subtotal thyroidectomy cannot prevent the secretion of thyroid receptor antibodies, which may cause either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. The balance between antithyroid drugs and levothyroxine is critical in clinical practice.

Effects of cervical plexus block anesthesia combined with general anesthesia on subtotal thyroidectomy in patients with hyperthyroidism and stress response / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of cervical plexus block anesthesia combined with general anesthesia on subtotal thyroidectomy in patients with hyperthyroidism and stress response.Methods:A total of 68 patients with hyperthyroidism who underwent subtotal thyroidectomy in Zhangjiagang City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province, from January 2018 to January 2021 were selected as observation subjects, and were divided into control group and observation group according to the random number table method, both of which were 34 cases. Patients in control group were given general anesthesia, and the observation group was given cervical plexus block anesthesia combined with general anesthesia. The heart rate and mean arterial pressure before anesthesia (T0), immediately before intubation (T1), immediately after intubation (T2), and at the end of surgery (T3), the time of awakening and extubation after surgery, the visual analog score (VAS) of pain at 1, 4, 12, and 24 hours after surgery, stress response of before and 24 hours after surgery, and complications after surgery were compared between the two groups.Results:There was no significant difference in heart rate and mean arterial pressure between the two groups at T0 ( P > 0.05); the heart rate and mean arterial pressure at T1 were lower than those at T0 in the same group ( P < 0.05); the heart rate and mean arterial pressure at T2 and T3 in the control group were higher than those at T0 in the same group ( P < 0.05); the heart rate and mean arterial pressure at T2 and T3 in the observation group did not change significantly compared with those at T0 in the same group ( P > 0.05), but were lower than those in the control group at the same time ( P < 0.05). The awakening time and extubation time of patients in the observation group were shorter than those in the control group ( P < 0.001). The VAS scores of patients in the observation group were lower than those in the control group at 4, 12 and 24 hours after surgery ( P < 0.001). The serum norepinephrine (NE) and cortisol (COR) levels of patients in the two groups at 24 hours after surgery were higher than those before surgery, and the levels in the observation group were lower than those in the control group at the same time ( P < 0.05). The total incidence of postoperative complications in the observation group (8.82%, 3/34) was lower than that in the control group (29.41%, 10/34, χ 2 = 4.66, P = 0.031). Conclusion:Cervical plexus block anesthesia combined with general anesthesia has a good effect on subtotal thyroidectomy in patients with hyperthyroidism, which can speed up the patients' awakening, reduce complication, and has little impact on stress response.

Treatment of patients with Graves' disease and the appropriate extent of thyroidectomy.

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder caused by thyroid stimulating auto-antibodies directed against the thyrotropin receptor on thyroid follicular cells. It is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism and is associated with cardiovascular, ophthalmologic and other systemic manifestations. Three treatment options are available for Graves' disease: anti-thyroid drugs, radioactive iodine and thyroidectomy. While thyroidectomy is the least common option used for treatment of Graves' disease, it is preferentially indicated for patients with a large goiter causing compressive symptoms, suspicious or malignant thyroid nodules or significant ophthalmopathy. The best operation for Graves' disease has been a matter of debate. The standard operation was a subtotal thyroidectomy for much of the twentieth century, however, over the past 20 years total thyroidectomy has been increasingly performed. Herein, we provide a historical perspective and review the current literature, including randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses and conclude that total thyroidectomy is the preferred option for the surgical treatment of Graves' disease, with a nearly 0% recurrence rate, predictable postoperative hypothyroidism and a low complication rate comparable to subtotal thyroidectomy when performed by high-volume thyroid surgeons.

Comparative Analysis of Subtotal Thyroidectomy for Graves′ Disease Leaving a Unilateral Remnant Based on the Upper Pole / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

@#【Background】 The aim of this prospective randomized study was to evaluate the feasibility of subtotal thyroidectomy leaving a unilateral remnant based on the upper pole. 【Methods】 Patients who underwent the subtotal thyroidectomy and isthmusectomy leaving either a unilateral remnant based on the upper pole（GroupⅠ ，59 patients）or with the bilateral dorsal thyroid tissue remained（Group Ⅱ，54 patients）were prospectively compared in operation time， blood loss，recurrence，and postoperative complications.【Results】The operation time remained similar between the two groups，but the blood loss，the reoperation time，recurrent laryngeal nerve injury，and recurrence in GroupⅠwere much less than those in Group Ⅱ. In addition ，no postoperative hemorrhage occurred in GroupⅠ. Three patients （5.56%） underwent postoperative hemorrhage in Group Ⅱ. Two patients（3.39%）in GroupⅠand 4 patients（7.40%）in Group Ⅱ experienced transient hypocalcemia.【Conclusion】In terms of blood loss，reoperation time，postoperative complication， and recurrence ，subtotal thyroidectomy with recurrent laryngeal nerves identification and the unilateral superior pole remnant of the gland provides a better outcome than subtotal thyroidectomy with bilateral dorsal thyroid tissue remnant.

The long-term outcomes of thyroid function after subtotal thyroidectomy for Graves' hyperthyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Surgical management of Graves' disease (GD) is changing from subtotal to total thyroidectomy because the latter eliminates the risk of recurrence. However, to preserve thyroid function in a euthyroid state, subtotal thyroidectomy is still performed for GD in non-Western countries. Therefore, we designed a study to investigate the long-term outcomes in GD patients after subtotal thyroidectomy and the correlation between remnant weight and postoperative thyroid function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort observation study. Between January 2005 and December 2011, 415 consecutive GD patients treated by subtotal thyroidectomy were enrolled. All data were collected from 385 patients who underwent bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy and 57 patients who underwent the Hartley-Dunhill operation. The median postoperative follow-up time was 72 months (range 12-144 months). RESULTS: The mean weight of the preserved thyroid remnant was 5.1 g. Persistent or recurrent hyperthyroidism was observed in 119 (28.7%) patients. The median time of recurrence was 36 months (range 12-120 months). Hypothyroidism developed in over 50% of patients. A euthyroid state was achieved in only 19.3% of patients, and the rate did not increase significantly as remnant weight increased. Based on a Cox regression analysis, the remnant weight is an independent risk factor for persistent or recurrent hyperthyroidism (hazard ratio: 1.323, 95% confidence interval: 1.198-1.461, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Subtotal thyroidectomy with the intent to maintain a euthyroid state is not an optimal surgical strategy for the definitive treatment of GD because the persistence or recurrence rate is high and the euthyroid rate is lower than expected.

Comparative study of the treatment of bilateral multinodular goiter between hemithyroidectomy combined with contralateral nodule resection or subtotal resection and bilateral subtotal resection / 中国医学装备

Objective:To discuss the appropriate thyroid operation for the treatment of bilateral multinodular goiter.Methods: 328 bilateral multinodular goiter patients undergoing surgery in the department of general surgery of Capital Medical University Beijing Tongren Hospital from June 2012 to June 2016. were retrospectively analyzed. Of these patients, 85 underwent hemithyroidectomy combined with contralateral nodule resection or subtotal resection and 243 underwent bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy. The rate of postoperative complications and recurrence between hemithyroidectomy combined with contralateral nodule resection or subtotal resection and bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy were compared.Results: The follow-up time was 1 month to 48 months after operations. In hemithyroidectomy combined with contralateral nodule resection or subtotal resection group 1 patient developed recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, 2 patients had transient hypoparathyroidism and 1 patient had hematoma in the operative cavity. In bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy group, 2 patients developed recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and 2 patients had subcutaneous hematoma. The rate of recurrent disease was 2.35%(2 patients) in hemithyroidectomy combined with contralateral nodule resection or subtotal resection group and 7%(17 patients) in bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy group. There was no patient in both groups needed reoperation.Conclusions:Hemithyroidectomy combined with contralateral nodule resection or subtotal resection had similar complication rate compared with bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy, but it had a significantly lower risk of recurrence than bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy, Furthermore, the rest one lobe could be resected for many times which would not cause severe complications. Hemithyroidectomy combined with contralateral nodule resection or subtotal resection is worthed to be recommended.

Combined Open-Heart Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery and Subtotal Thyroidectomy in a 54-year-old patient: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Combined open-heart surgery and thyroidectomy is a rare procedure. However, some difficulties will occur for cardiac surgery when thyromegaly extends into the retrosternal space. CASE DETAILS: A 54-year-old woman suffering from dyspnea, chest pain and decreased left ventricular function (EF=40%) was diagnosed with coronary artery disease (3 vessel disease) and became candidate for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Also, she had multinodular goiter with normal thyroid function test. After midsternotomy, a huge goiter was seen in the upper mediastinum. Because the mass had covered the ascending aorta and involved the posterior aspect of the innominate vein making access to aorta impossible, thyroidectomy was performed at first followed by CABG. Post-operation course was satisfactory. Fourteen months later, the patient was euthyroid and in NYHA class 1. CONCLUSION: The evidence of the case showed that combined CABG and thyroidectomy can be performed safely.

Bilateral benign multinodular goiter: What is the adequate surgical therapy? A review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Benign multinodular goiter (BMNG) is the most common endocrine disease requiring surgery. During the last few years a more aggressive approach has become the trend for bilateral BMNG treatment. METHOD: Randomized clinical trials of any size that compared bilateral subtotal resection, Dunhill procedure and total thyroidectomy for benign multinodular goiter, published between January 2000 and the end of March 2015, were reviewed. DISCUSSION: Total thyroidectomy can be considered the most reliable approach in preventing recurrence. The Dunhill procedure is related to a higher rate of recurrence, but rarely recurrences after Dunhill procedure lead to reoperation. Total thyroidectomy avoid completion thyroidectomy for incidental carcinoma and its related risks. Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy becomes less common as surgical experience increases. Transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism is strictly related to the extent of neck dissection. In the risk-cost analysis we must consider the type of patient candidated to surgery and the impact of the surgical protocol we apply. When thyroid surgery is taken in consideration, specific complication rates of different procedures in each hospital must be analyzed accordingly to patient-specific risk factors and local expertise. CONCLUSION: The Dunhill procedure seems to be a good compromise between radicality and prevention of complications, avoiding reoperation for recurrence or completion thyroidectomy for incidental thyroid carcinoma. More follow-up studies and prospective studies are necessary to better evaluate, definitively, whether to prefer total thyroidectomy or Dunhill procedure in case of benign goiter surgery.

Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injury In Total Versus Subtotal Thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Both Total and Subtotal Thyroidectomy are correct treatment options for symptomatic Euthyroid Multinodular Goitre. The choice depends upon surgeon's preference due to consideration of disadvantages like permanent hypothyroidism in Total Thyroidectomy and high chances of recurrence in Subtotal Thyroidectomy. Many surgeons believe that there is a higher incidence of Recurrent Laryngeal nerve injury in Total Thyroidectomy which affects their choice of surgery. This study aimed to compare the incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in total versus subtotal thyroidectomy. METHODS: This non randomized controlled trial was carried out at Department of Surgery and ENT of Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad, and Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi from 1st September 2013 to 30th August 2014. During the period of study, patients presenting in surgical outpatient department with euthyroid multinodular goitre having pressure symptoms requiring thyroidectomy were divided into two groups by convenience sampling with 87 patients in group 1 and 90 patients in group 2. Group-1 was subjected to total thyroidectomy and Group -2 underwent subtotal thyroidectomy. All the patients had preoperative Indirect Laryngoscopy examination and it was repeated postoperatively to check for injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve. RESULTS: A total of 177 patients were included in the study. Out of these, 87 patients underwent total thyroidectomy (Group-1). Two of these patients developed recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (2.3%). In group-2 subjected to subtotal thyroidectomy, three of the patients developed recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (3.3%). The p-value was 0.678. The overall risk of injury to this nerve in both surgeries combined was 2.8%. CONCLUSIONS: There is no significant difference in the risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve damage in patients undergoing total versus subtotal thyroidectomy.

Clinical effect of total excision of the thyroid and most resection in the treatment of thyroid nodule, and its influence to thyroid function / 中国基层医药

Objective To investigate the safety of thyroid gland resection and primary resection in the treatment of thyroid nodule and its influence to thyroid function.Methods 86 patients with thyroid nodules were selected as the research subjects.The patients were randomly divided into two groups.43 cases in the observation group implemented the thyroid gland resection treatment.43 cases in the control group received thyroid gland subtotal resection.The curative effect,safety,thyroid function and other indicators were compared between the two groups.Results The operation time and hospitalization time in the observation group after operation[(105.65 ± 12.54)min;(6.35 ± 2.01)d]were shorter than those in the control group[(149.41 ± 13.68)min;(9.62 ± 2.45)d].The amount of bleeding during operation in the control group [(134.51 ± 9.64) mL] was significantly higher than the observation group [(84.62 ± 6.35) mL],there was significant difference between the two groups (P ＜ 0.05).The total effective rate of the observation group was 95.55％,which was significantly higher than 72.09％ in the control group,the difference was statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05).Before operation,the between the two groups had no significant difference (P ＞ 0.05).After surgical treatment,serum FT3 and serum FT4 levels in two groups were decreased,but those in the observation group[(11.62 ± 3.02),(51.24 ± 7.25)pmol/L] were significantly lower than the control group [(14.14 ± 5.11) pmoL/L;(60.52 ± 6.35) pmol/L],there were obvious differences (P ＜ 0.05).The incidence rate of complications such as throat edema,hemorrhage,postoperative hoarseness in the observation group was 9.30％,which in the control group was 23.26％,the difference was statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The thyroid gland resection therapy for thyroid nodules has high safety and significant curative effect,it can quickly improve the thyroid function,reduce relapse rate,has higher application value in benign and malignant tumors indistinguishable after surgery.It can reduce the length of stay in hospital,is conducive to the recovery of patients,it is worthy of clinical promotion.

Total versus bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy for benign multi-nodular goiter.

PURPOSE: To compare the postoperative early-stage complications of total and bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy for benign multi-nodular goiter. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 409 patients. The patients were divided into two groups. A total of 258 (63%) patients underwent total thyroidectomy, and 151 (37%) patients underwent bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy. RESULTS: Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy occurred in six (2.3%) of the total thyroidectomy patients and in three (1.9%) of the bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy patients (P>0.05). No permanent palsy was observed in either of the thyroidectomy groups. Hypocalcemia occurred in 40 (15.5%) of the total thyroidectomy patients and in 27 (17.8%) of those who underwent bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy (P>0.05). Also, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups with respect to the development rates of hematoma and incision site infection (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Because of its low complication rates, total thyroidectomy is a safe procedure for benign multi-nodular goiter.

What do we leave behind after neartotal and subtotal thyroidectomy: just the tissue or the disease?

Selection of multinodular goiter (MNG) surgery procedure is stilll under discussion. Subtotal thyroidectomy (STT) and neartotal thyroidectomy (NTT) are preferred surgical procedures. However, it is uncertain whether the remnant tissue contains pathological findings or not after these procedures. We aimed to evaluate and comparison the pathologic findings in remnant tissue after NTT and STT. Thyroid tissue samples of 50 patients who underwent TT for MNG disease between January 2010 and August 2011 in our clinic were evaluated. Before the dissection of the thyroid tissue subtotal and neartotal margins were marked in both right and left lobes. After the resection of the specimen, the tissue was excised from the subtotal and neartotal margin marked during the surgery. The pathologic findings of the main tissue, the residual subtotal and neartotal tissues were evaluated and compared. All patients were followed-up 1 year. 43 (86%) females and 7 (14%) males with an average age of 50.5 (23-77) were included in the study. Incidental papillary thyroid cancer was detected in 5 patients (10%). Pathologic findings were present in 31 patients (62%) of subtotal residual tissue and 28 of the patients (56%) of neartotal residual tissue. Papillary microcarcinoma was detected in 3 (9.7%) of subtotal residual tissues and 2 (7.1%) of neartotal residual tissues. There is no significant difference between subtotal and neartotal tissues in terms of existence of pathological findings (p>0.05). There is no significant difference between the neartotal and subtotal residual tissues contralateral of dominant nodule (p>0.05). 2 of the patients (4%) had temporary hypocalcemia, 1 patient (2%) had seroma and 1 patient (2%) had recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. There are high rates of microscopic pathological findings on residual tissues both after STT and NTT. The neartotal and subtotal residual tissues contralateral to the large nodule also had high levels of pathologic findings.

Cardiac arrest following ventilator fire: A rare cause.

Operating room fires are rare events, but when occur they result in serious and sometimes fatal consequences. Anaesthesia ventilator fire leading to cardiac arrest is a rare incident and has not been reported. We report a near catastrophic ventilator fire leading to cardiac arrest in a patient undergoing subtotal thyroidectomy. In the present case sparks due to friction or electrical short circuit within the ventilator might have acted as source of ignition leading to fire and explosion in the oxygen rich environment. The patient was successfully resuscitated and revived with uneventful recovery and no adverse sequelae. The cardiac arrest was possibly due to severe hypoxia resulting from inhalation of smoke containing high concentrations of carbon monoxide and other noxious gases.

Endoscopic subtotal thyroidectomy in treatment of nodular goiter: a report of 72 cases / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective To explore effects of endoscopic subtotal thyroidectomy on nodular goiter and its clinical significance.Methods From Jun.2004 to Dec.2009,72 patients with nodular goiter underwent endoscopic subtotal thyroidectomy in Southwest Hospital.Of the 72 cases,22 cases had left-side nodule,31 cases had right-side nodule and 19 cases had bilateral nodules.Single thyroid nodule occurred in 41 cases and multiple nodules in 31 cases.The total number of nodules was 113.The average nodule size was 2.8 cm(ranging from 0.4 to 6.3 cm).Results Of the 72 cases,19 patients underwent bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy and the mean operative time was 97 min(ranging from 80 to 150 min).53 patients underwent unilateral subtotal thyroidectomy and the mean operative time was 65 min(ranging from 25 to 120 min).The mean intraoperative blood loss was 45 ml (ranging from 5 to 120 ml).Of the 72 cases,68 cases were given cervical plexus block regional anesthesia and among them 66 cases(97%)acquired good anesthesia.Temporary hoarse voice occurred in 2 cases and postoperative bleeding occurred in the subcutaneous tunnel of breast in 2 cases.Patients were followed up from 3 to 5years and the cosmetic result was satisfactory.The postoperative review half year later showed that unilateral nodule recurred in 1 case and the recurrence rate was 1.4%.Conclusions Endoscopic subtotal thyroidectomy through anterior chest wall or breast approach under local anesthesia is a safe and effective treatment in nodular goiter.In the process of dissecting thyroid,blunt maneuver and proper use of ultrasonic knife instead of clamping thyroid nodules directly are recommended in order to reduce intraoperative blood loss and enhance safe practice.

Surgical Treatment of Graves' Disease: Comparison between Total Thyroidectomy and Subtotal Thyroidectomy

PURPOSE: Subtotal thyroidectomy has been the standard operation for Graves' disease in achieving a favorable outcome in recovery of euthyroid state. However, the postoperative outcomes following subtotal thyroidectomy differ by surgeon and postoperative thyroid dysfunctions develop as time passes. Here, we have studied the validity of total thyroidectomy for Graves' disease patients, with a comparison to subtotal thyroidectomy. METHODS: A total of 299 patients with Graves' disease underwent thyroid operation consecutively in Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea from December 1995 to December 2005. Among them, 241 cases had subtotal thyroidectomy and 43 had total thyroidectomy. The subtotal thyroidectomy cases were divided into 3 groups according to estimated remnant thyroid; or =6 g. Also, according to postoperative thyroid function, the patients were divided into euthyroid, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism groups. The postoperative changes of thyroid function, postoperative complications and hospital days were analyzed. RESULTS: In subtotal thyroidectomy, postoperative thyroid function showed euthyroid in 25 (10.4%), hypothyroidism 206 (85.5%) and hyperthyroidism 10 (4.1%). However, total thyroidectomy showed no persistent hyperthyroidism or recurrence. The postoperative thyroid function state changed in 24 patients out of 148 who had more than 2 years postoperative follow-up. Hyper-functional changes developed with higher rates (Hypo-6 vs. hyper-18). The postoperative complication rate was higher in subtotal thyroidectomy including bleeding, hoarseness and hypocalcemia. CONCLUSION: In our study, the patients showing normal thyroid function after subtotal thyroidectomy were very limited and thyroid dysfunction developed continuously with time lapse, especially towards hyperthyroid state. Therefore, we suggest that total thyroidectomy should be considered as a treatment option in Graves' disease.

Endoscopic thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism / 中国微创外科杂志

Objective To summarize the experience of endoscopic thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism.Methods Endoscopic total or subtotal thyroidectomy was performed through anterior chest wall approach in 7 patients with primary or secondary hyperthyroidism.Results The operation was successfully performed in all the 7 patients.The operation time was 130~260 min(mean,168 min),and the intraoperative blood loss was 10~200 ml(mean,70 ml).No recurrent laryngeal nerve or superior laryngeal nerve injuries,or postoperative hemorrhage,or conversions to open surgery were encountered.The postoperative recovery was uneventful.Short-term follow-up observations demonstrated satisfactory cosmetic results and no recurrence.Hypothyroidism occurred in 2 patients and thyroid functions restored to normal levels in 1 of them 2 months after operation.Conclusions Endoscopic thyroidectomy is a safe and effective procedure for hyperthyroidism.Apart from conventional pre-operative preparation,CT examination is also necessary for identifying the measurements of thyroid glands and determining the proportion and location of residual glands.

A Case of Graves' Disease associated with Myasthenia Gravis treated by Bilateral Subtotal Thyroidectomy and Total Thymectomy / 대한내분비학회지

Graves disease occur in association with myasthenia gravis is rare. We report a case of Graves disease and myasthenia gravis treated by bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy and total thymectomy simultaneously. A 37 year old woman was admitted with anterior neck mass and ptosis. Various examinations were compatible with combined Graves disease and myasthenia gravis. The bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy and total thymectomy were done simultaneously. The pathologic diagnosis was Graves disease and thymic hyperplasia. The patients postoperative course was uneventful. The thyroid function of patient became euthyroid and the clinical symptoms related with myastenia gravis resolved during follow up period.

Evaluation of thyroid function after bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy for Graves' disease: a long term follow up of 100 patients

One hundred patients who underwent bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy for Graves' disease between January 1980 and September 1984 have been evaluated. The observation period ranged from 5 to 9 years, the average being 6.2 years. Postoperative thyroid function was evaluated with T3, T4 and TSH and compared with their clinical manifestations. Eighty-two patients became euthyroid, 14 patients had recurrence and 4 patients developed hypothyroidism. The thyroid hormone level of euthyroid patients were in an unstable state up to 5 years after the operation. Sixteen variables which might influence the postoperative recurrence and hypothyroidism were analyzed but no statistically significant factors were determined, although recurrences were found frequently in patients over 30 years, the patients with lower infiltration of lymphocytes and absent of fibrosis of thyroid tissue. The results obtained in the present study suggest that mean 6.0 gm of remnant thyroid is suitable for maintaining euthyroidism postoperatively in a majority of patients. In addition, patients should be followed closely for many years and should undergo hormonal determination periodically because recurrence and hypothyroidism can occur at 5 years or more after the operation.