[Nodular goiter recurrent after surgery. A study of its pathogenesis and incidence]

We analyzed 33 patients with recurring nodular goiter (from a population of 2,500 operated patients). Recurrence occurred 0.7 to 12 years after surgery. T4, T3, TSH, perchlorate and TRH tests were performed in 18. Results were similar to those in 13 operated patients without recurrence. Administration of thyroid hormone did not influence recurrence. Seven patients with recurring goiter were re-operated on; an encapsulated follicular cancer was found in one. Our results suggest that recurrence of nodular goiter after surgery is not prevented by routine use of thyroid hormone.