United Kingdom
A 20-year-old female asked:
Went to see an endocrinologist about my graves' disease, and he thinks i should have a thyroidectomy, are there any risks i should know?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Addagada Raoanswered
General Surgery 58 years experience
Few rare complicatio: Because you are 20 yr old medications will harm if you are going to have a baby, same reason for not to give rai. Besides usual surgical & anaesthetic complications , specific to this surgery injury to superior laryngeal nerve causes loss of high pitch voice inferior causes hoarseness , both are extremely rare.Parathyroid injury also rare.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Alan Feldmananswered
43 years experience
Various opinions: In your age group, the most recommended treatment for graves disease is taking anti-thyroid drugs (methimazole). If this does not result in remission of your disease, most endocrinologists would recommend treatment with radioactive iodine. Surgery for graves disease is not commonly done in the us, though is more common in europe and the far east.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Aug 2, 2013
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $19/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.