Hello, Both surgery and radioactive iodine are used to treat hyperthyroidism. The best option for the treatment of hyperthyroidism should be decided together with your doctor. I want to underline that a total thyroidectomy is the only option that gives an immediate cure of hyperthyroidism. It is true that you may need to have repetitive doses of radioiodine therapy for an appropriate result. Although a thyroidectomy is not the most commonly used method to treat hyperthyroidism, there are some cases when it is the most appropriate option especial if you have a personal or familiar history of iodine allergy. My advice is to talk with your local endocrinologist about the benefits and risks of surgery vs iodine therapy and to decide together the best solution for you. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Elona Xhardo, Endocrinologist