The prevention of recurrent goiter is an important problem in the treatment of thyroid disease. A review of patients seen complaining of recurrent goiter permits the following classification: (1) pseudorecurrences; (2) recurrence of goiter without symptoms, and (3) recurrence of goiter with symptoms.
PSEUDORECURRENCES
Pseudorecurrences are generally the result of (1) diagnostic error; (2) symptoms due to permanent lesions, and (3) insufficient operation. This paper will not deal with that group.
RECURRENCE WITHOUT SYMPTOMS
In the group of recurrences without symptoms are placed those patients who have a definite enlargement of the remaining thyroid without the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and a normal or subnormal basal metabolic rate. The following pathologic processes have been recognized: (1) colloid goiter, which is probably the most common form; (2) diffuse adenomatous goiter, and (3) true adenoma. Patients with a goiter of the true colloid type are relieved by desiccated thyroid. Goiters belonging in the