Endocrinologist (Mainz): Thyroid surgery is often unnecessary
According to endocrinologist Prof. Wüster, the scalpel is often used too quickly when it comes to thyroid surgery
It is not always easy to find the right therapy, especially for thyroid diseases. Many operations are carried out due to the often severe symptoms and fear of malignant changes. In the opinion of Prof Dr Christian Wüster, an endocrinologist in private practice in Mainz, many thyroid operations are unnecessary.
The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland is small and inconspicuous. It lies hidden between the larynx and trachea. You might think that the thyroid gland has no special significance in the roundelay of organs. But this is deceptive. If the thyroid gland malfunctions due to a disorder or illness, the whole body can quickly spiral out of control. The hormones of the thyroid gland control many vital processes in the human body. For example, metabolism, temperature, the cardiovascular system, muscles, nerves, the psyche and processes in the stomach and intestines.
Thyroid dysfunction is a widespread disease in Germany
Thyroid dysfunction is a widespread disease in Germany. It can be assumed that around a quarter of men and at least a third of all women are affected by thyroid dysfunction.
The effects and the resulting impairments vary greatly. According to information from the German Society of Endocrinology (DGE), more than 100,000 thyroid glands are completely or partially removed surgically in Germany every year. German doctors decide to take this step, which often has serious consequences for the individual, three to eight times more frequently than in other industrialised nations such as Great Britain or the USA. For endocrinologist Prof Dr Christian Wüster, this is an indication that many operations are unnecessary. ‘In fact, surgery is performed far too often. It can be ruled out that Germans have thyroid cancer more often than Americans or Britons. In my experience, which I have gained every day in my practice for many years, many thyroid disorders can be successfully treated with hormones or radiotherapy after a solid diagnosis.’
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