PERIOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT OF THYROID-DISEASE - PREVENTION OF COMPLICATIONS RELATED TO HYPERTHYROIDISM AND HYPOTHYROIDISM

Patients with underlying thyroid disease who are in need of surgery pr esent a particular challenge to the surgeon responsible for their care and to the medical consultant who must offer clinical guidance. Often , underlying thyroid disease is difficult to detect clinically, becaus e signs and symptoms of disease are varied or subtle. Furthermore, tho se with known disease who are receiving a seemingly stable medical reg imen may still be at risk for associated complications. Only heightene d clinical awareness, early and appropriate treatment, and delay of el ective surgery results in an improved patient outcome.