A study undertaken at the University of Wisconsin-Madison suggests that surgical removal of the thyroid, in experienced hands, perhaps should be the first option in treating Graves' disease, also called hyperthyroidism. The disease occurs when the thyroid gland at the base of the neck produces excessive hormones and speeds up the metabolism. In the United States, sufferers are treated most often with drugs or radioactive iodine to destroy the thyroid. Surgical removal of the thyroid generally is done only after other options fail.

     The study followed 58 patients who had either a total or a partial thyroidectomy at University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics between 1994 and 2008. Previously they had tried medical or radioactive iodine therapy which had failed to control the disease. The researchers found that the total thyroidectomy had a very low complication rate while completely curing the Graves' disease.

     Dr. Rebecca Sipple, lead author of the study and assistant professor of surgery at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, suggests that patients should be offered three options: medications, radioactive iodine, and surgery. They should be educated about the pros and cons. To undergo surgery, a patient should find an experienced surgeon and be prepared to take thyroid hormone replacement medication for the rest of his/her life.

     Dr. Sipple says, "Surgery is the most rapid method for obtaining definitive control of the disease."

--Source: Excerpted from "Thyroid Removal is Safe and Effective for Graves' Disease," University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, February 15, 2011