[Pre-surgical medical therapy of hyperthyroidism]

The Authors analyze the use and the efficacy of antithyroidal drugs administered to the patients affected by hyperthyroidism, that must undergo thyroidectomy. The aim is that the patients arrive to the operation in euthyroidism: this is very important to avoid the complications that can occur during or just after the thyroidectomy. They believe that till today the most effective treatment of hyperthyroidism before thyroidectomy is based on the use of thyonamide and iodine. In case of intolerance to these drugs or if it is necessary an emergency thyroidectomy or in case of a low compliance of the patient, there is the possibility to use different therapeutic approaches with beta-blockers or betametasone plus iopanoic acid and propranolol administered together for a few days. As concerning the possible complications that can occur during or after the thyroidectomy, the Authors analyze in particular the thyrotoxicosis and the "hungry bone" syndrome.