[Preventive operation of the thyroid gland]

Since the transformation of adenoma into carcinoma has not been proved, surgery of cold nodules cannot be classified as "prophylactic". Early treatment of differentiated carcinomas can, however, prevent transformation into anaplastic carcinoma. Prophylactic lymphnode dissection is of proven value only in C-cell carcinoma; C-cell hyperplasia in the hereditary type of this tumor is the only clearly prophylactic indication to total thyroidectomy. Hyperthyroidism in functional thyroid autonomy can be prevented in a euthyroid stage. The aim of prophylaxis against recurrent goiter and hyperthyroidism influences the operative strategy in both, immunogenous and non-immunogenous hyperthyroidism.