[Hyperthyroidism (author's transl)].

Surgical cure of hyperthyroidism aims at removing enough functioning follicles to prevent hyperthyroidism while leaving sufficient tissue to maintain euthyroidism. In the case of Graves' disease the surgeon is faced with a goiter consisting of uniformly hyperstimulated follicles that are but one of the multiple targets of an immunologic attack. In contrast, autonomous follicles with an intrinsic functional abnormality are the hallmark of multinodular toxic goiter. These follicles may be clustered (toxic adenoma) or spread in different patterns throughout the gland. Partial thyroidectomy provides definite cure. While operating, the surgeon is unable to appreciate the functional quality of the tissue left behind. Thus, both postoperative hypo- and hyperthyroidism may occur independently of the surgical technique.