Surgical treatment of thyrotoxicosis: results of 272 operations with special reference to preoperative treatment with anti-thyroid drugs and L-thyroxine.

From 1959 to 1970, 272 operations for thyrotoxicosis were performed. Most of the patients received anti-thyroid drugs and thyroid hormones preoperatively. The patients were continuously followed up. The primary results with low morbidity and no mortality as well as the long term results with a low rate of recurrence and a relatively high incidence of thyroid substitution are discussed. A safe and effective programme for surgical treatment of thyrotoxicosis is described. Anti-thyroid drugs and thyroid hormones should be administered as the method of choice in preparing these patients for surgery.