2021 Volume 24 Issue 1 Pages 37-43
Subtotal thyroidectomy for Graves' hyperthyroidism is a surgical procedure that leaves a small remnant of the thyroid gland to maintain thyroid function and to avoid lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy. In this retrospective study, we evaluated thyroid function after subtotal thyroidectomy for Graves’ hyperthyroidism and the correlation between remnant weight and postoperative thyroid function. Between January 1997 and December 2019, 128 patients who underwent subtotal thyroidectomy for Graves’ hyperthyroidism in Tenri Hospital were enrolled. Fifty-one patients underwent bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy, and 77 patients underwent the Hartley-Dunhilloperation. Operative time and blood loss were significantly lower with the Hartley-Dunhilloperation than with bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy. The median postoperative follow-up time was 59 months (range 6–280 months), and the mean weight of the preserved thyroid remnant was 5.1 g. Persistent or recurrent hyperthyroidism was observed in 17 (13.3%) patients, with a mean duration of recurrence of 53 months (range 2–160 months). Three patients with recurrent hyperthyroidism underwent successful reoperations and persistent postoperative complications were not observed. Hypothyroidism occurred in 84 (65.6%) patients, while a euthyroid state was achieved in 27 (21.1%) patients. Postoperative thyroid function did not differ significantly with the weight of the remnant.
