[Role of beta blockers as the only therapy for preparing the hyperthyroid patient for surgery]

Indications and contraindications of the beta blocking drugs are reviewed as a method of preparation to sub total thyroidectomy in thyrotoxicosis. They allow a shorter preparation's time: a few days, until one or two weeks maximum. Major risks are cardiac failure, and altered response to stress. This technic is contraindicated in thyrocardiac disease, severe thyrotoxicosis and for patients over fifty years of age. The best beta blocking's criterion is exercise-induced tachycardia's reduction. The safety of this method allows its utilisation when social, medical or psychological environment requires a quick thyrotoxicosis' recovery.