SURGICAL AND RADIOIODINE THERAPY OF HYPER THYROIDISM

Radioiodine and surgery are the therapeutic tools of choice for the de finitive treatment of patients suffering from hyperthyroidism. The dec ision on the therapy to choose for an individual patient will depend o n several different factors: etiology of the hyperthyroidism, size of the goiter, age and general medical considerations, availability of ra dioiodine therapy or of an experienced endocrine surgeon, and the pati ent's own preferences. It is important for the general practitioner at tending and advising a patient to have a basic knowledge of both thera peutic modalities. An overview of indications, results and risks of th e radioiodine and surgical therapy is presented.