Thyroidectomy is the surgical treatment of hyperthyroidism. Though popular in the past, it is not done often anymore. The following are situations in which surgical treatment may be appropriate to consider:

• You have Graves disease and cannot tolerate anti-thyroid medications or are not a good candidate for treatment with radioactive iodine.
• You have a very large thyroid gland that interferes with breathing or swallowing.
• You have a child with hyperthyroidism.
• You are pregnant and have hyperthyroidism. (Although anti-thyroid medication is considered the first-line treatment for pregnant women.)

Surgery is a permanent cure for hyperthyroidism in almost all cases. But, surgery may result in hypothyroidism, a condition that requires ongoing medical treatment and medicine. Uncommon complications of surgery include:

• Hoarseness from vocal cord paralysis
• Bleeding
• Infected wound site
• Temporary low serum calcium

If you are considering surgery, be sure to choose an experienced surgeon.