[Surgical and nuclear medicine treatment of hyperthyroidism]

Radioiodine and surgery are the therapeutic tools of choice for the definitive treatment of patients suffering from hyperthyroidism. The decision on the therapy to choose for an individual patient will depend on several different factors: etiology of the hyperthyroidism, size of the goiter, age and general medical considerations, availability of radioiodine therapy or of an experienced endocrine surgeon, and the patient's own preferences. It is important for the general practitioner attending and advising a patient to have a basic knowledge of both therapeutic modalities. An overview of indications, results and risks of the radioiodine and surgical therapy is presented.