Results of a Prospective Multicenter Study Evaluating the Incidence of Postoperative Hypocalcaemia following Total Thyroidectomy.

Mohammed  O. Bohlala; Aisha  M. Bojazyah; Nagah  A. Hussein

doi:10.64516/h7gy0831

Authors

Mohammed O. Bohlala University Of Derna, Derna, Libya. Author
Aisha M. Bojazyah Alwahda Teaching Hospital, Derna, Libya Author
Nagah A. Hussein College Of Medical Technology, Derna, Libya. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64516/h7gy0831

Keywords:

Total Thyroidectomy, Incidence, Postoperative complications, Hypocalcemia, Hypoparathyroidism.

Abstract

Postoperativehypocalcaemiaisaseriouscomplicationfollowingasurgeryonthyroidgland and is generally thought of to be due to low parathyroid hormone as a result of inhibition of parathyroid gland function. It can either be transient or permanent, in case of which lifelong calcium supplementation is required. Total thyroidectomy may be associated with potential risk of removal of 2,3 or even 4 parathyroid glands, in addition to the risk of circulatory compromise of the parathyroid glands due to manipulation of its vessels intraoperatively. This is a prospective study conducted for duration of 3 years and includes 100 consenting in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy aimed to evaluate the incidence of hypocalcaemia following total thyroidectomy. Data was collected by meticulous history taking, careful clinical examination, appropriate radiological and haematological investigations, including serum calcium. Follow-up of the cases was done for detection of postoperative hypocalcemia and if present was confirmed by assessing ionized calcium. Postoperative hypocalcemia occurred in 8 (8%) patients confirmed by decrease ionized calcium level. The peak age group in which the patients presented was between 40-60 years (46%). The commonest clinical diagnosis was that of solitary thyroid nodule (50%) followed by multinodular goiter (38%). All of the patients who developed postoperative hypocalcaemia were females and none of them developed symptomatic hypocalcaemia. Although uncommon, post-operative hypocalcaemia is seen following total thyroidectomy. In this study, all of the patients who developed postoperative hypocalcaemia became normocalcemic by postoperative day 3. Following total thyroidectomy postoperative hypocalcaemia is transient and usually requires no treatment.

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