The Incidence of Post-Operative Goiter Recurrence

A study was conducted on the incidence of post-operative non-toxic goiter in 206 cases. The average duration of post-operative observation was 7.8 years. The incidence of recurrence was 30.7% in the 26 cases where thyroxine was used in sufficient doses (0.15 mg/day or over) and regularly in the postoperative period; and 46.9% in the 32 cases where thyroxine was used in insufficient doses (0.10 mg/day) and regularly. Whereas it was found 71.4% in the 49 cases where thyroxine usage was irregular and in insufficient doses; and 81.8% in the 99 cases where there was no use of drugs. It was observed that the incidence of recurrence was perceptively reduced in the patients who used thyroxine regularly and in sufficient doses as compared to those who use irregularly or not at all. It was concluded that in Turkey, where iodine deficiency is a major contributory factor to the prevalence of goiter, post-operative usage of thyroxine is necessary in reducing the incidence of post-operative goiter.