Recurrent thyrotoxicosis after subtotal thyroidectomy.

A study of patients with recurrent thyrotoxicosis after subtotal thyroidectomy has shown that the operation has a profound effect on the natural history of Graves's disease. It is followed by pronounced changes in the immunological features of the disease, with a fall in the prevalence of serum thyroid autoantibodies, including the long-acting thyroid stimulator. Thyroid suppression returns to normal in 70% of patients.