Total thyroidectomy in the treatment of Basedow's ophthalmopathy

Four patients in the age 42-63 (3 females and 1 male) with Basedow's disease and hyperthyroidism were investigated. Visual changes were classified to the IV group of American Thyreologic Society's classification. A total thyroidectomy was performed when status of euthyreosis has been obtained. Check examinations were carried out 6, 12 and 18 months after surgery. It has been confirmed that total thyroidectomy performed in patients with thyroid ophthalmopathy leads to reduction of infiltrative changes in the orbit. However, this can be stated not earlier than 12 months after surgery.