What is the primary purpose of administering Lugol’s solution before a thyroidectomy?

The primary purpose of administering Lugol's solution before a thyroidectomy is to reduce thyroid size and vascularity to prevent hemorrhage. Lugol’s solution is a form of iodine that serves as an antithyroid agent by inhibiting the synthesis of thyroid hormones. By doing so, it effectively reduces the vascular supply and the overall size of the thyroid gland in patients who are hyperthyroid. This preoperative treatment is crucial because it minimizes the risk of significant blood loss during surgery, which can be a serious complication due to the highly vascular nature of the thyroid gland. This careful preparation aims to provide a safer surgical environment for the surgeon and decreases the chances of intraoperative complications related to excessive bleeding.