SUMMARY
Autoimmune thyroiditis is the most common autoimmune disease, the most common thyropathy, and the most frequent cause of hypothyroidism; however, only a small fraction of patients are referred for surgery.

Thyroidectomy is indicated if nodules (benign or malignant) are present, and the extent of surgery depends on the same criteria as a normal thyroid gland with nodules. Surgery is also indicated in patients with goiter with compressive symptoms and for cosmetic reasons. There is a small subset of patients who still have symptoms related to hypothyroidism despite being biochemically euthyroid after adequate thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Several studies evaluating the efficacy of thyroidectomy in these patients suggest that there may be improvement of symptoms and quality of life after surgery. However, more direct evidence is necessary before considering such an intervention more widely.  The association between autoimmune thyroiditis and differentiated thyroid cancer, mainly papillary, remains unclear. There are still conflicting reports with some studies suggesting that these two are positively correlated, whereas other studies proved no relationship.
Key words: autoimmune thyroiditis, thyroidectomy, goiter, carcinoma.
Lek Obz, 2020, 69 (12): 457-460

Ivan BRYCHTA

I. chirurgická klinika  LF SZU a UNB - Nemocnica akad. L. Dérera, Bratislava, prednosta MUDr. I. Brychta, PhD.

CITE:

BRYCHTA I.: Autoimmune thyroiditis - surgical treatment. Lek Obz, 2020, 69 (12): 457-460