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Randomized trial of a short course of preoperative potassium iodide in patients undergoing thyroidectomy for Graves'
Giles Whalen1, Mary Sullivan2, Louise Maranda3
1Division of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, Memorial Campus, UMass Memorial Health Center, Swift House, 119 Belmont Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
Background:
A short course of potassium iodide (SSKI) has been traditionally used to prepare patients with Graves' disease for thyroidectomy. The rationale for this treatment has evolved over time; from control of hyperthyroidism to facilitating surgery by making the gland less friable and bloody.
Methods:
Randomized trial of preoperative SSKI vs no SSKI to test whether that is true.
Results:
Mean estimated blood loss in the SSKI group (62 mL) was less than in the control group (162 mL) as was the median estimated blood loss (50 vs 140 mL). Mean (142 vs 162 minutes) and median (138 vs 150 minutes) operative times were also less in the SSKI arm. Subjective difficulty of operation was similar. Multivariable comparisons of groups with analysis of covariance showed the SSKI group suffered a mean blood loss 35% of the no treatment group (P = .036), the 9.2% decrease in Operating Room (OR) time between the SSKI group and the no treatment group was not statistically different (P = .464).
Conclusions:
SSKI given before operation in patients with Graves' disease reduces blood loss during thyroidectomy.
