[Thyroid function after thyroidectomy for benign goiter. 200 cases explored by ultrasensitive TSH]

Based on a retrospective study of a series of 200 thyroidectomies for benign goitre and a mean follow up period of 12 Months, the authors analysed post-operative thyroid function and correlated it with the degree of surgical excision (47 unilateral lobectomies, 91 classical subtotal bilateral lobectomies and 62 extended bilateral subtotal lobectomies). After a presentation of the results in comparison with data from the literature, the timing and threshold for the institution of replacement therapy are examined and the need for prolonged clinical and laboratory monitoring is also stressed. In terms of changes in laboratory criteria only monitoring of spontaneous changes in US TSH allows opotherapy to be avoided or conversely to accurately define the conditions for institution of definitive replacement therapy. The justification of total thyroidectomy in the treatment of multihetoronodular goitres almost totally involving the glandular parenchyma is acknowledged.