OBJECTIVE: The absence of an universal classification for hyperthyroidisms (HT), give rise to inadequate interpretation of series and trials, and prevents decision making. We offer a tentative classification based on gammagrafic and functional findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical records from patients who underwent thyroidectomy in our Department since 1967 to 1997 were reviewed. Those with functional measurements of hyperthyroidism were considered. All were managed according to the same preestablished guidelines. RESULTS: HT was the surgical indication in 694 (27,1%) of the 2559 thyroidectomies. Based on gammagraphic studies, we classified HTs in: Parenchymatous Increased-Uptake, which could be Diffuse, Diffuse with Cold Nodules or Diffuse with at least one Nodule, and Nodular Increased-Uptake (Autonomous Functioning Thyroid Nodes [AFTN]), divided into Solitary AFTN or Toxic Adenoma...

OBJECTIVE: To compare the morbidity of total thyroidectomy (TT) and subtotal thyoidectomy (ST) in the management of hyperthyroidism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 350 cases of thyroidectomies performed at the Service B of Surgery at the Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, Spain, from 1975 to 1996. Clinical diagnosis was always "hyperthyroidism". The main outcome measures were parathyroid morbidity (recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, infections and hemorrhages), length of hospital stay, relapses and re-operations. RESULTS: Among 350 thyroidectomies done, 71 were TST and 279 were TT. Both techniques exhibited similar results, except for a higher incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy in the early postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: TT was a good approach for hyperthyroidism because it prevented recurrences and had a low morbidity, with a minimal risk...