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Nuclear Medicine

Radioiodine therapy of the thyroid gland

Radioiodine therapy is an effective treatment method with which we specifically treat overactive parts of the thyroid gland while leaving normally functioning parts untouched. In most cases, a single therapy can cure the overactive thyroid gland.

The thyroid gland produces hormones that are essential for the human organism. They influence, among other things, energy metabolism, the gastrointestinal tract, the cardiovascular system and psychological well-being. Both "too little" (under-function) and "too much" (over-function) of thyroid hormones can lead to serious disorders of important bodily functions. For this reason, the thyroid gland should be checked regularly and should be treated in case of a corresponding diagnosis.

Much effect, few side effects

Our radioiodine therapy uses a radioactive form of normal iodine, which you know as an important component of food. This is absorbed in the form of a small orally administered capsule via the bloodstream by the overactive parts of the thyroid gland. In more than 90 percent of all cases, the overactive parts of the thyroid gland can be cured with a single therapy. In a few cases, a new therapy is easily possible. A major advantage of this form of therapy is that it does not lead to any side effects for the patient. Only in exceptional cases, a slight feeling of pressure in the area of the throat can occur.

  • No side effects and complications as with surgery under anaesthetic
  • No damage to the parathyroid glands (responsible for normal blood calcium levels) and the recurrent laryngeal nerve (possibly paralysis of the vocal cords, hoarseness)
  • Practically no recovery time is necessary; you can go home or to work immediately after the therapy
  • Self-employed persons can conduct their business by telephone and in writing during therapy

 

  • Unlike surgery, it takes two to three months before the desired effect is achieved
  • In rare cases of insufficient dosage of the first therapy, a second radioiodine therapy may be necessary
  • After radioiodine therapy - as after surgery - the thyroid gland may become underactive, but this is easily compensated for by the regular intake of thyroid hormones.
  • For radiation protection reasons, radioiodine therapy is carried out under inpatient conditions, whereby certain quarantine measures have to be observed: The patient remains in the nuclear medicine therapy ward until the radioactive iodine has largely been eliminated from the body. Due to the new Radiation Protection Act of the legislator, the in-patient stay today is considerably shorter than before, usually 2 - 5 days.

 

 

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