Is there a role for surgery in treating Hashimoto ’s thyroiditis?

This study raises the possibility of a role for surgery for patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis who continue to feel poorly despite optimal treatment with thyroid hormone. However, the study, while well done, is a relatively small one. We need longer-term follow up and confirmation with additional studies done on diverse populations. It’s also important to consider that thyroid surgery in patients with advanced Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is difficult. Rates of complications, including injury to the laryngeal nerve (which controls voice) and the parathyroid glands (which maintain normal blood calcium levels), are increased. What’s more, once the thyroid is removed, the body will no longer be able to make thyroid hormone, and the patient will have to take thyroid medication for the rest of their lives. Thus, until further confirmatory studies are done, surgery for patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis should only be considered when thyroid enlargement is causing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing. The post Is there a role for surgery in treating Hashimoto’s thyroiditis? appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Health Thyroid Disorders Source Type: blogs