The indications for partial thyroidectomy are shown in Fig. 17.52. The risks of surgery are minimised in the hands of an experienced surgeon. With the widespread use of radioiodine in North America such experienced surgeons are less readily available than in Europe, where some centres still regard partial thyroidectomy as the treatment of choice for young adults with a toxic diffuse goitre. Patients should be rendered euthyroid with antithyroid drugs prior to operation, and there is now good evidence available that preoperative oral iodine administered for two weeks reduces vascularity of the gland and makes the operation easier: for example, potassium iodide 60mg three times daily may be given.
