Preoperative Lugol's Solution in Graves' Disease and Toxic Nodular Goiter

Current practice in Sweden before thyroidectomy due to hyperthyroidism is preoperative treatment with antithyroid drugs (ATD) to all patients with Graves' disease and in cases of toxic nodular goiter with pronounced hyperthyroidism. Iodine solution is administered preoperatively in selected cases of Graves' disease where ATD is intolerable. In the cases where iodine is used it is in the form of extemporaneous prepared iodine potassium iodide solution (Lugol 5%). The dose varies in clinical studies. In American and Swedish guidelines the dose is 5-10 drops 3 times per day for 10 days prior to surgery. American guidelines recommend iodine as preoperative treatment i Graves' disease but this is based on sparse evidence. Iodine as preoperative treatment in toxic nodular goiter has yet not been studied.

The purpose of this study is to assess if preoperative treatment with Lugol's solution prior to thyroidectomy due to hyperthyroidism reduce the surgical complications hypoparathyroidism and laryngeal nerve palsy.

Before including toxic nodular goiters accepted for surgery, a pilot study will be performed on 20 patients with toxic nodular goiter. They will receive Lugol solution 3 times per day for ten days and thyroid hormone levels will be measured day 0, day 3-4, day 6-7 and after 10 days of Lugol treatment. Heart rate assessed and ThyPRO39 filled out before and after treatment.