Thyroidectomy or Thiouracil? *A Paper read to the Bristol Medico—Chirurgical Society on May 12th, 1948.

On two previous occasions, in 19301 and in 1941,2 I have had the honour of reading papers before the Bristol Medico-Chirurgical Society on the surgery of thyrotoxicosis. By that time, operation had become the routine treatment, except in quite mild or very severe cases, and a certain number of children or young women with primary thyrotoxicosis. In 1943, however, thiouracil was introduced by Astwood3 in America, and a year or two later it came into general use in this country. Some physicians claim that it is as efficient as thyroidectomy in the treatment of toxic goitre, and without its hazards. This claim we are about to consider.