Prior to Procedure

Preparation for the surgery may include:

• A special low iodine diet.
• Changes in current medicine. The doctor needs to know about any current medicine. Some thyroid hormone medicine should be stopped up to 4 weeks before the procedure. Hyperthyroid medicine may also need to be stopped at least 5 to 7 days before the procedure.
• Food and most drinks may need to be avoided a few hours before. Water may be allowed.
• A thyroid uptake and scan may be done before the treatment.

A pregnancy test will be done in women of childbearing age.

Description of the Procedure

The doctor will give radioactive iodine as pills or liquids. The thyroid will naturally absorb the iodine. It will pass out of the body through the urine.

How Long Will It Take?    TOP

At least an hour

Will It Hurt?    TOP

The treatment is painless.

Postoperative Care    TOP

The body can give off radiation for a few days. It can effect health of others that are nearby. A few days stay in the hospital may be needed. Other care will be needed at home including keeping distance from others.

Thyroid levels return to normal within 8 to 12 weeks for most who have treatment for hyperthyroidism. A second dose of radioactive iodine treatment is needed for some.

Radioactive iodine treatment can cause hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormones). It may be temporary or permanent. Thyroid levels will be checked every few months until levels are stable.