Graves’ Disease Treatment in Israel

Graves’ Disease (also known as toxic diffuse goiter) is an autoimmune disease caused by thyroid hormone excess. It is the primary cause of hyperthyroidism. The conditional usually develops in middle-aged patients, and may have a genetic component. Detailed below is our Graves’ Disease treatment in Israel program.

Graves’ Disease Treatment in Israel

Before thyroid goiter treatment can commence, our specialists will run a series of tests to assess the condition of your thyroid.

• Extensive blood work-up (CBC, CMP, coagulation factors, electrolyte levels, lipid profile, hormone profile, immunological markers and immunological tests for thyroid disease and coagulation factors)
• A FNA will be scheduled if a thyroid tumour is discovered
• Radioisotope thyroid scan
• Endocrinologist’s exam

The investigations (including biopsy results) will take 4 business days to complete. The procedures will take place at Assuta Hospital.

Therapy will depend on the aforementioned tests’ results. Options include:

• Medicinal treatment (decided on by an endocrinologist)
• Radioiodine thyroid ablation (decision to be taken by a radiologist following an exam)
• Surgical treatment (decision to be taken by a head & neck surgeon following an exam)

Thyroidectomy

In case a total thyroidectomy is indicated, cost of treatment will consist of:

• Operative procedure and 2 days of hospitalization
• Disposable surgical materials and equipment

The surgery will take place at the state-of-the-art Assuta Medical Center.

Radioiodine Thyroid Ablation

Radioiodine thyroid ablations are performed at Sheba Tel HaShomer Medical Center. Cost will be include:

• Pre-operative preparation
• Radioiodine thyroid ablation
• 3 days of hospitalization in isolation unit
• Post-procedure monitoring:
  • Endocrinologist’s exam
  • Thyroid scintigraphy (I-131)

The pre-procedure work-up takes 3 working days, and hospitalization at the isolation unit up to 3 days. It is advised you remain in Israel for approximately 7 days following your completion of your Graves’ disease treatment.

Symptoms

• Enlarged thyroid
• Exophthalmos
• Arrhythmia
• Weight loss despite increased appetite
• Heat intolerance
• Excessive sweating
• Edemas on feet
• Hand tremors
• Weakness
• Headaches