Final answer:
Surgical treatment of hyperthyroidism can lead to hypothyroidism and involves risks such as recurrent laryngeal nerve damage, hypoparathyroidism, infection, and bleeding. Lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy is often required post-surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Post-Operative Risks of Hyperthyroidism Treatment
When treating hyperthyroidism, particularly in cases of Graves' disease, one method involves the partial or complete surgical removal of the thyroid gland. This procedure can result in hypothyroidism, which is an underactive thyroid condition requiring lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Additionally, there are post-operative risks associated with the surgery, such as:
- Damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, leading to voice changes or hoarseness.
- Risk of hypoparathyroidism, due to inadvertent removal or damage to the parathyroid glands, leading to low calcium levels.
- Infection and bleeding at the surgical site.
It is critical to monitor and adjust thyroid hormone levels post-surgery to maintain optimal health and avoid complications.
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