LITHIUM IN THE PREOPERATIVE PREPARATION OF GRAVES-DISEASE

Lithium carbonate is used in the preoperative preparation of Graves' d isease. We experienced five patients with Graves' disease who received lithium preparations, because of adverse effects of conventional drug s such as methimazole and propylthiouracil. These patients showed succ essful surgical outcome without postoperative thyroid storms and recur rences. The administration of lithium carbonate is an effective method for preoperative management of Graves' disease when conventional anti thyroid drugs show adverse effects.