Name of the Procedure:

Iodine i-131 Sodium Iodide Capsule(s) Therapy
Common names: Radioactive Iodine Therapy, RAI Therapy
Technical term: Iodine-131 Sodium Iodide Therapy

Summary

Radioactive iodine therapy involves taking a capsule that contains a small amount of radioactive iodine (I-131) to treat certain thyroid conditions. The iodine is specifically targeted to thyroid cells and works by destroying overactive or cancerous thyroid cells.

Purpose

This procedure is used primarily to treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and certain types of thyroid cancer. The goals are to reduce thyroid hormone levels or eliminate residual thyroid tissue after thyroid surgery.

Indications

• Hyperthyroidism, including Graves' disease
• Toxic multinodular goiter
• Thyroid cancer, especially after thyroidectomy

Preparation

• Fasting for a few hours prior to the procedure
• Temporary discontinuation of certain thyroid medications
• Possibly undergoing a low-iodine diet a few days before the procedure
• Pre-procedure diagnostic tests like blood tests and a thyroid scan

Procedure Description

1. Preparation: Patient fasts and adjusts medications as instructed.
2. Administration: The patient will swallow a capsule containing the radioactive iodine.
3. Absorption: The radioactive iodine will be absorbed by the thyroid gland.
4. Action: The radioactive iodine destroys overactive or cancerous thyroid cells over time.
5. Monitoring: Periodic follow-ups and tests to monitor thyroid function.

Tools: Capsule containing radioactive iodine (I-131)
Anesthesia: Not required, as this is a non-invasive procedure.

Duration

The actual administration takes a few minutes, but the absorption and therapeutic effects occur over weeks to months.

Setting

This procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis in a hospital or specialized clinic.

Personnel

• Nuclear medicine specialist
• Radiologist
• Nurses specialized in nuclear medicine

Risks and Complications

• Temporary neck tenderness
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Dry mouth/salivary gland dysfunction
• Rarely, radiation-induced thyroiditis
• Very rarely, secondary malignancies with higher doses

Benefits

• Reduction of hyperthyroid symptoms within weeks to months
• Effective ablation of residual thyroid tissue in cancer patients
• Minimally invasive with a high success rate

Recovery

• Avoid close contact with others, especially pregnant women and children, for a few days to a week
• Good hydration to help flush out excess iodine
• Follow-up appointments to monitor thyroid function and adjust medications
• Possible temporary diet or medication adjustments

Alternatives

• Antithyroid medications (e.g., methimazole)
• Thyroidectomy (surgical removal of thyroid tissue)
• External beam radiation for certain cancer cases
• Each alternative has its own pros and cons, such as invasiveness, side effects, and long-term outcomes.

Patient Experience

• The procedure itself is quick and painless.
• Some patients might experience mild discomfort like nausea or neck tenderness post-administration.
• Pain management is generally not necessary, and over-the-counter medications can be taken for any minor discomfort.