Surgery for Graves’ Disease | UCLA Endocrine Center

Grave’s disease is when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. This causes the gland to produce too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism). Without treatment, this autoimmune disease can lead to heart failure, heart irregularities and osteoporosis.

One treatment option for Grave’s disease or hyperthyroidism is medication, says endocrine surgeon Avital Harari, MD. If hyperthyroidism continues, treatment with radioactive iodine (RAI) or surgery can help.

Surgery for Graves’ disease involves removing half or the entire thyroid (thyroidectomy). To qualify for surgery your thyroid hormone levels need to be under control.

After surgery, some people have a raspy voice, which can be temporary or permanent. It’s possible to have low calcium after surgery but taking calcium supplements can help. There’s also a risk of bleeding, which sometimes requires another surgery.

It’s wise to discuss your Graves’ disease treatment options with your provider and weigh the pros and cons of each. Find more information about surgery for Graves’ disease: https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/surgery/endocrine-surgery