Postoperative Hypocalcemia Research Articles

Preoperative vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risk of postoperative hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy

Prior single-institution studies suggest that preoperative vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is associated with postoperative hypocalcemia and a prolonged length of hospital stay following total thyroidectomy. In this study, we employ...

Optimizing Safety in Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Surgery for Children with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome

22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is a common genetic condition associated with structural and functional velopharyngeal anomalies. However, not all patients with 22q11.2DS presenting for treatment will have an established diagnosis and/or have been evaluated for critical medical comorbidities including congenital cardiovascular anomalies, bleeding diatheses, hypocalcemia, and cervical spine instability. When considering surgical management for patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), it is imperative to be aware of the clinical features of 22q11.2DS to avoid serious morbidity and mortality. This is illustrated here with 2 case examples. First, a 10-year-old male with 22q11.2DS presented at 6 years old for treatment of VPI associated with submucous cleft palate. Preoperative computed tomographic angiography revealed right carotid artery tortuosity and retropharyngeal displacement, while intraoperative Doppler ultrasound confirmed carotid artery medialization at the base of the proposed flap. Consequently, he underwent Furlow palatoplasty instead of pharyngeal flap. Second, a 5-year-old male with 22q11.2DS presented at 4 years old for treatment of VPI. Palatal lengthening with double-opposing buccal flaps was performed to mitigate the risk for carotid artery injury, need for preoperative imaging, and risk for developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Right carotid artery medialization was seen intraoperatively as marked pulsations. Both patients underwent cardiac and anesthesia evaluations prior to surgery given their histories of congenital heart defects (CHD) and prior postoperative hypocalcemia.

The role of early postoperative parathyroid hormone level after total thyroidectomy in prediction of hypocalcemia

BackgroundEstimation of parathyroid hormone (PTH) after thyroid surgery helps to predict the development of hypocalcemia and allows early intervention and management with oral calcium and/or vitamin D supplementation in the postoperative period. Patients and methodsThis retrospective study included 57 patients who underwent total or completion thyroidectomy within 4 years. Measurement of serum PTH level was done 3 h after surgery for its change and prediction of hypocalcemia. ResultsThe mean age was 42.11 years, females constituted 46 patients (80.7%), the main surgical procedure was total thyroidectomy in 51 patients (89.5%), and the main cause for surgery was multinodular goiter in 33 patients (57.8%). Three hours after surgery 47 patients (82.5%) had serum PTH levels of >10 pg/ml (mean 28.06) and 44 patients (77.2%) had normal serum calcium (mean 8.66). Most of these 47 patients (82.46%) didn't require postoperative supplementation, while from other 10 patients (17.5%) with serum PTH level of <10 pg/ml, 7 patients (12.28%) required both oral calcium and vitamin D, and 3 patients (5.26%) required only oral vitamin D.There was a significant correlation between the 3-h postoperative PTH level and hypocalcemia (P-value 0.000). The type of pathology had no significant association with lowserum PTH level after surgery (P-value 0.166). ConclusionPTH measurements at 3 h after total thyroidectomy is an accurate predictor for the development of hypocalcemia and allows starting early calcium and/or vitamin D supplements for the asymptotic patients with PTH level of less than 10 pg/ml, which is considered a high-risk group. Also it facilitates a safe and early (2nd t day post operative) discharge of those patients with serum PTH levels greater than 10 pg/ml without any supplements.Further studies are needed to compare the result of early serum PTH level with the day one serum PTH level after total thyroidectomy to predict hypocalcemia.

Risk factors for postoperative morbidity after thyroid surgery in a PROSPECTIVE cohort of 1500 patients.

Postoperative hypocalcaemia, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and postoperative bleeding are the most frequent postoperative complications after thyroid surgery, and therefore often used as quality indicators of thyroid surgery. We aimed to assess postoperative morbidity in a high-volume endocrine surgery unit, and to detect which factors are associated with higher risks. Prospective surgical cohort in a high-volume tertiary referral centre for endocrine surgery in xxx. The first 1500 patients operated with hemi or total thyroidectomy during 2010-2019 were included. Postoperative hypocalcaemia, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and postoperative bleeding were assessed in relation to pre- and peri-operative characteristics using multivariable logistic regression analyses, expressed as odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Overall, 1043 patients (69.5%) received a total thyroidectomy and 457 (30.5%) a hemithyroidectomy. Permanent hypocalcaemia occurred in 3.1%, permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy in 1.8% and surgical reintervention for bleeding in 2.6%. Younger age, female sex and cancer were risk factors for permanent hypocalcaemia. No clear risk factors could be identified for permanent nerve palsy. Female sex, high body mass index and heavier thyroids were protective against postoperative bleeding after total thyroidectomy. Surgical experience in endocrine surgery seems beneficial for clinical outcomes and contributes to organizational efficiency. A low complication risk can be obtained by trained high-volume endocrine surgeons, yet the risk is not negligible.

Is preoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation effective in prevention of postoperative hypocalcaemia in thyroidectomised patients?

IntroductionHypocalcaemia remains the most common postoperative complication after total thyroidectomy. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of routine preoperative oral calcium and vitamin D supplementation in the prevention of hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy.Material and methodsOne hundred fifty-three consecutive patients with nontoxic multinodular goitre were randomly assigned to routinely receive (group B) or not to receive (group A) calcium carbonate (3 g/d) and alfacalcidol (1 µg/d) on the day before surgery and calcium carbonate (1 g/d) and alfacalcidol (1 µg/d) taken once in the morning on the day of operation. Their preoperative 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels, hypocalcemic symptoms, serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels were determined 6 and 24 hour postoperatively and 6 weeks after surgery.ResultsSymptomatic hypocalcaemia was observed in 41/153(26.79%) patients. The incidence of symptomatic hypocalcaemia was significantly lower in the supplemented group than in the group not receiving supplementation: 10 of 77 participants (12.99%) versus 31 of 76 patients (40.79%) (p&lt;0.05). The rates of laboratory and severe hypocalcaemia (corrected calcium &lt;2.0 mmol/l) were 67.11% and 28.95% in group A and 50.65% and 9.09% in group B, respectively (p=0.04, p&lt;0.05). There were no significant differences between groups A and B in corrected calcium levels after surgery and postoperative decreases in corrected calcium levels (p=0.06). 112(73.20%) participants had 25-OHD&lt;20 ng/ml. Vitamin D levels did not influence corrected calcium level changes (p=0.98).ConclusionsOral supplementation of calcium and alfacalcidol may help in the prevention of postthyroidectomy hypocalcaemia. Vitamin D deficiency was widespread among operated patients.

Primary study of identification of parathyroid gland based on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy.

The identification and preservation of parathyroid glands (PGs) is a major issue in thyroidectomy. The PG is particularly difficult to distinguish from the surrounding tissues. Accidental damage or removal of the PG may result in temporary or permanent postoperative hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia. In this study, a novel method for identification of the PG was proposed based on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for the first time. LIBS spectra were collected from the smear samples of PG and non-parathyroid gland (NPG) tissues (thyroid and neck lymph node) of rabbits. The emission lines (related to K, Na, Ca, N, O, CN, C2, etc.) observed in LIBS spectra were ranked and selected based on the important weight calculated by random forest (RF). Three machine learning algorithms were used as classifiers to distinguish PGs from NPGs. The artificial neural network classifier provided the best classification performance. The results demonstrated that LIBS can be adopted to discriminate between smear samples of PG and NPG, and it has a potential in intra-operative identification of PGs.

Effect of energy-based devices on post-operative parathyroid function and blood calcium levels after total thyroidectomy

ABSTRACT Introduction: Energy-based devices are widely used in thyroid surgery in order to achieve optimal hemostasis, while their role in the incidence of hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism comprises a topic evaluated in numerous studies. Areas covered: The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the potential benefit of Ultrasonic Shears and Electrothermal Bipolar (Radiofrequency) System in thyroid surgery regarding the incidence of post-operative hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism. A systematic review of the literature in PubMed/Medline and Scopus databases was conducted. Forty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. A statistically decreased rate of transient hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism was reported in 15 studies and 4 studies, respectively, when using energy-based devices. However, 18 and 13 surveys examined transient hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism, respectively, and demonstrated no statistical difference between energy-based devices and conventional hemostasis. No difference was observed between the groups concerning permanent hypocalcemia. Out of 13 studies, only 2 showed a significant reduction in the occurrence of permanent hypoparathyroidism in the energy-based device group. Expert opinion: Energy-based devices reduced the rate of transient hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism after thyroid surgeries in 42.8% and 23.5% of the included studies, respectively. Further studies are needed to evaluate their impact on permanent post-operative hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism.

Postoperative hypocalcemia - the most common complication ofendocrine head and neck surgery: acute management

In Germany, 8000 patients are affected by postoperative hypoparathyroidism per year following surgery of the thyroid gland, parathyroidal glands and the larynx. Patients do not only suffer from paresthesia in the acute phase of this complication, but are also adversely affected by the fear of loss of control following episodes of tetany even years after the first episode. Discussion of a diagnostic pathway and presentation of a management pathway for postoperative hypocalcemia. Narrative review, analysis and discussion of current literature and expert recommendations. Early determination of calcium and parathyroid hormone allows timely diagnosis and treatment of postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Active vitamin D is pivotal for the resorption of calcium. Only the combined treatment with active vitamin D and calcium can mitigate or prevent the postoperative drop of calcium levels. A standard operating procedure (SOP) for postoperative hypoparathyroidism should be implemented in every surgical department. An SOP for diagnosis and treatment of postoperative hypoparathyroidism is proposed for institutional individualization and implementation.

Early Prediction of Post Total Thyroidectomy Hypocalcaemia:Prospective Study

AbstractBackground: Post-operative hypocalcemia is the common-est complication after thyroidectomy. Post-operative hypoc-alcemia is a major morbidity in patients that undergonethyroidectomy.Aim of Study: We aimed in this study to study patientswith increased risk to develop post thyroidectomy hypocal-caemia and to study early prediction, diagnosis and treatment.Patients and Methods: Type of study was prospectivestudy, study setting was conducted in Ain Shams UniversityHospitals and Kafr El-Sheikh General Hospital, study periodwas 18 month from January 2019 to June 2020. Obtainingapproval from The Institutional Research Board and writteninformed consents from the participants.Results: Most of the current study participants werefemales (78%) with mean age of (41.1±12.11) years. Twentypercent of patients had DM (20%), (14%) were hypertensive, (8%) had IHD and (10%) had other medical condition. Swellingwas the most common clinical presentation (80%). Muti-nodular goiter was the most common US finding (76%),followed be solitary solid mass (20%) and L. Ns enlargement (10%) among our study patients. Follicular lesion was themost common FNA finding (60%), followed by colloid goiter (20%) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (8%) among our studypatients. Average Ca before was 9mg/dL, and declined to be 8.4mg/dL 24h post-operative and 8.5mg/dL 48h post-operativewith statistically significant differences (p < 0.001). Hypocal-cemia was founded in 10 (20%) of our patients after totalthyroidectomy it was manifested in 6 (12%) patients andasymptomatic in 4 (8%) patients.Conclusion: Serum calcium concentrations have been thebasis of identification of post-operative hypocalcemia howeverthis has been replaced by PTH levels being more sensitiveand specific to the early prediction of transient as well aspermanent hypocalcemia.

Risk factors for postoperative hypocalcaemia after thyroidectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

ObjectiveA meta-analysis to investigate the risk factors for postoperative hypocalcaemia after thyroidectomy in adult patients.MethodsA systematic search of publications in the electronic databases (PubMed®, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, OVID and Embase®) from inception to June 2020 was conducted. Screening of titles, abstracts and full texts and data extraction were independently performed by two authors. The OR was selected as the pooled estimate.ResultsThe analysis included 23 studies. Twelve significant risk factors for postoperative hypocalcaemia were identified: hypoparathyroidism, OR 5.58; total thyroidectomy, OR 3.59; hypomagnesaemia, OR 2.85; preoperative vitamin D deficiency, OR 2.32; female sex, OR 1.49; thyroid malignancy, OR 1.85; thyroiditis, OR 1.48; substernal multinodular goitres, OR 1.70; parathyroidectomy, OR 1.58; central compartment neck dissection, OR 1.17; modified radical neck dissection, OR 1.57; and central neck dissection, OR 1.54.ConclusionsThis meta-analysis provides moderate-to-high quality evidence that the 12 risk factors were predictive of postoperative hypocalcaemia, which should be monitored closely before thyroidectomy.

Relationship between the extent of central node dissection and parathyroid function preservation in thyroid cancer surgery.

The risk and effect of hypocalcemia following surgery of different magnitudes remains unclear. Thus, we assessed whether different extents of central lymph node dissection (CLND) and status of preserved parathyroid glands can influence parathyroid function in differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) patients with initial surgical resection. Participants were categorized into 6 groups based on the extent of the surgical procedures, number of parathyroid glands preserved in situ, and parathyroid autotransplantation. The frequencies of hypocalcemia, serum calcium (Ca) levels, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels among the different groups were analyzed. The prevalence of hypocalcemia, number and status of parathyroid glands preserved in situ, and parathyroid autotransplantation were inversely related to extensive CLND (r=-0.18; P<0.05). The decrease of serum Ca and PTH was most severe on postoperative days (POD) 1-7. The incidence of hypocalcemia was higher in Group C than in Group B and A (P<0.05). The average postoperative serum Ca and PTH levels in Group C were significantly lower than group A on POD 1-7 (P<0.05). The incidence of hypocalcemia was obviously increased in Group D compared to Groups E and F (P<0.05). The mean serum Ca and PTH levels in Group D were significantly lower than in Group F (P<0.05), and the same results could be observed between Groups D and E (P<0.05). However, through parathyroid autotransplantation, there was no significant difference that could be found between Groups E and F on POD 1-7 (P>0.05). With the expansion of CLND scope, postoperative parathyroid function will be affected, increasing the risk of postoperative hypocalcemia. When at least 1-2 parathyroid glands were reserved in situ plus at least 1 parathyroid gland autotransplantation, there was little effect on postoperative parathyroid function.

The Optimal Parathyroid Hormone Cut-Off Threshold for Early and Safe Management of Hypocalcemia After Total Thyroidectomy

ObjectiveTo define optimal intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) cut-off threshold predictive of hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy for safe and effective postoperative management. MethodsThis prospective single center study was done in 2 phases. In phase I, predictors of symptomatic hypocalcemia were analyzed and the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to define the optimal iPTH cut-off threshold predictive of hypocalcemia. Phase II studied giving prompt prophylactic supplemental calcium and vitamin D to all patients who had iPTH levels below the calculated threshold, while phase I patients were given prompt selective supplementation if they had postoperative hypocalcemia or symptoms. ResultsUnivariate analysis of patients in phase I showed that postoperative iPTH was the only significant variable that can predict symptomatic hypocalcemia. Using receiver operating characteristic curve and Youden index, the confirmed optimal cut-off threshold predictive of hypocalcemia was iPTH 19.95 pg/mL, with area under the curve of 0.903, 100% sensitivity, negative predictive value, and highest Youden index, while iPTH 15 pg/mL and iPTH 10 pg/mL were less optimal. Symptomatic hypocalcemia occurred in 30% of the phase I cohort who received selective supplementation versus 3% of those in the phase II cohort who received prophylactic supplementation. Return to emergency department and need for intravenous calcium were also significantly better in phase II. ConclusioniPTH cut-off for post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia was 19.95 pg/mL. Low-risk patients were discharged with no supplementation while all high-risk patients received prompt calcium and vitamin D supplementation, which led to effective hypocalcemia management and safe 24-hour discharge.

Does Preoperative Calcium and Calcitriol Decrease Rates of Post-Thyroidectomy Hypocalcemia? A Randomized Clinical Trial

Postoperative hypocalcemia is the most common complication after thyroidectomy. Postoperative supplementation with calcium and calcitriol reduces its occurrence; however, prophylactic preoperative supplementation has not been studied systematically. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether pre- and postoperative calcium and calcitriol supplementation reduces postoperative hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy compared with postoperative supplementation alone. We conducted a single-institution prospective randomized trial enrolling 82 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy from July 2017 through May 2019. Those undergoing partial thyroidectomy or concurrent planned parathyroidectomy were excluded. The intervention group started calcitriol 0.25 μg po bid and calcium carbonate 1,500 mg po tid 5 days preoperatively and continued postoperatively. The control group started these medications postoperatively. The primary end point was clinical or biochemical hypocalcemia. Secondary outcomes were postoperative calcium levels, need for intervention, length of stay, and readmission. Thirty-eight patients were randomized to the intervention group and 44 to the control group. There were 12 episodes of hypocalcemia; 5 (13.2%) in the intervention and 7 (15.9%) in the control group (p= 0.76). No differences were found in secondary outcomes; including postoperative calcium levels at each measured time point, need for intervention (n= 10 [26.3%], n= 15 [34.1%]; p= 0.48), length of stay (mean [SD] 32.3 [15.6] hours, 30.7 [10.5] hours; p= 0.6), or readmissions (n= 0 [0.0%], n= 3 [6.8%]; p= 0.24). Starting supplementation with calcium and calcitriol preoperatively does not reduce postoperative hypocalcemia compared with postoperative supplementation alone after total thyroidectomy. These findings do not support the practice of routine calcium and calcitriol supplementation before total thyroidectomy.

Clinical Utility of Preoperative Vitamin D3 Injection for Preventing Transient Hypocalcemia after Total Thyroidectomy.

Background Postoperative transient hypocalcemia (TH) is a common complication of total thyroidectomy. This retrospective study evaluated the clinical utility of preoperative vitamin D3 injection for the prevention of TH after total thyroidectomy. Methods We included 2294 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy from January 2015 until October 2018 and retrospectively analyzed their data by complete chart review at our hospital. The patients were divided into two groups: vitamin D3 injection (VDI; n = 342) and vitamin D3 noninjection (VDN; n = 1952). TH was defined as serum calcium <8.2 mg/dL and signs or symptoms of hypocalcemia. Results The mean preoperative serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels of the VDI group were significantly lower than those of the VDN group (16.5 ± 6.9 ng/mL vs 19.4 ± 8.7 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that the significant risk factors of TH include vitamin D noninjection (hazard ratio (HR): 1.717, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.282–2.300, p < 0.001), male gender (HR: 1.427, 95% CI: 1.117–1.822, p = 0.004), and capsular extension (HR: 1.273, 95% CI: 1.011–1.603, p = 0.040). Conclusions Preoperative vitamin D3 injection significantly contributed to the prevention of TH after total thyroidectomy. Further prospective or multicenter studies must be conducted to determine the effect of vitamin D3 injection.

Intraoperative Nerve Monitoring in Thyroidectomies for Malignancy: Does It Matter?

Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury and postoperative hypocalcemia are potential complications of thyroidectomy, particularly in malignancy. Intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) remains controversial. We sought to evaluate the impact of IONM on these complications using a national data set. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program thyroidectomy-targeted data set was queried for patients who underwent thyroidectomies from 2016 to 2017. Patients were grouped according to IONM use. Logistic regression models were constructed to evaluate associations of variables with 30-day hypocalcemic events (HCEs) and RLN injury. Associations were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). A subgroup analysis was performed of patients with malignancy. A total of 9527 patients were identified; 5969 (62.7%) underwent thyroidectomy with IONM and 3558 (37.3%) without. By multivariable analysis, IONM had protective associations with HCE (OR = .81, 95% CI = .68-.96; P = .013) and RLN injury (OR = .83, 95% CI = .69-.98; P = .033). Malignancy increased risk of HCE (OR = 1.21, 95% CI=1.01-1.45; P = .038) and RLN injury (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.02-1.46; P = .034). A large proportion (5943/9527, 62.4%) of patients had malignancy; 3646 (61.3%) underwent thyroidectomy with IONM and 2297 (38.7%) without. In the subgroup analysis, IONM had stronger protective associations with HCE (OR = .73, 95% CI = .60-.90; P = .003) and RLN injury (OR = .76, 95% CI = .62-.94; P = .012). Malignancy was associated with increased risk of HCE and RLN injury. Intraoperative nerve monitoring had a protective association with HCE and RLN injury, both overall, and in the malignant subgroup. Intraoperative nerve monitoring was correlated with improved thyroidectomy outcomes, especially if the indication was malignancy. This warrants further study to clarify cause and effect.

The effect of intraoperative autofluorescence monitoring on unintentional parathyroid gland excision rates and postoperative PTH concentrations-a single-blind randomized-controlled trial.

Intraoperative imaging of parathyroid glands (PGs) has been developed in order to reduce the risk of unintentional parathyroidectomy during total thyroidectomy. This novel modality is based on their intrinsic characteristic of autofluorescence (AF) after near-infrared light exposure. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of this method on the risk of unintentional PG excision (total or partial) during total thyroidectomy. This was a single-blind, randomized-controlled trial including adult patients who underwent scheduled total thyroidectomy between December 2019 and March 2020. These patients were randomly allocated to two groups: one in which near-infrared autofluorescence imaging (NIRAF) was applied (NIR group) and one without NIRAF (NONIR group). Hormonal and biochemical assessment was performed pre- and 24-h postoperatively. AF findings and the number of PGs autotransplanted were recorded. One-hundred and eighty patients were eligible. Unintentional (total or partial) PG excision rates during total thyroidectomy in the NONIR (n = 90) and NIR (n = 90) groups were 28.9% [95% confidence interval (CI) 19.8-39.4%] and 14.4% (95% CI 7.7-22.1%), respectively (p = 0.02). Furthermore, NIR reduced the risk of parathyroid tissue presence in the specimen sent for pathology (relative risk 0.51, 95% CI 0.28-0.92; p = 0.02). However, the number of PGs identified by NIR could not predict the risk of postoperative hypoparthyroidism. NIRAF imaging during total thyroidectomy led to a significant reduction in PG excision rates. However, this modality did not result in the reduction of postoperative hypoparathyroidism or hypocalcemia risk.

Electrosurgical energy. Is it a risk factor for post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia?

Aim and objective: The aim of this study was to investigate a relationship between the different types of electrosurgical energy (monopolar, bipolar, and ultrasonic-harmonic scalpel) and postoperative hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy. Additionally, to analyze the frequency of postoperative hypocalcaemia, according to age group, gender, and pathological diagnosis. Materials and Methods: An observational, retrospective and correlational study was carried out in a series of patients who underwent total thyroidectomy in a public and a private hospital in Quito, Ecuador, South America, from January 2016 to July 2019. Results: Among 665 patients, post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia was observed in 127 (18.8%) patients. There was no significant difference between males and females. Hypocalcaemia was significantly higher in patients aged between 26 and 35 years, patients operated for malignant tumors and in patients in whom at least one parathyroid gland was removed. Postoperative hypocalcaemia occurred in 52.2% of patients (n = 24) [RR: 3.14; 95% CI: 2.26-4.36; p: 0.001] in the bipolar group, 29.2% (n = 7) [RR: 1.56; 95% CI: 0.82-2.97; p: 0.087] in the harmonic group, 17.3% (n = 34) [RR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.61-1.24; p: 0.219] in the monopolar group, and 15.2% (n= 60) [RR: 0.61; 95% CI 0.45-0.84; p: 0.001] in the monopolar + harmonic group. Conclusions and clinical significance: The use of a bipolar device appears to be a risk factor for hypocalcaemia, while the use of monopolar + harmonic seems to be a protective factor. Although, when analyzing monopolar + harmonic vs monopolar alone, the addition of the harmonic scalpel didn’t provide statistically significant additional protection against hypocalcaemia.

A short-term non-randomized controlled study of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation and parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism

Background To compare the short-term clinical outcomes of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) and parathyroidectomy (PTX) for severe secondary hyperparathyroidism(SHPT). Methods In a prospective multi-center study, we compared the outcomes of MWA and PTX for severe SHPT. The outcome measures were case rate of successful treatment, improvement of clinical symptoms, incidence of complications, and differences in treatment parameters and costs between the two groups. Results A total of 167 eligible patients were included in the study, of which 79 underwent MWA and 88 underwent PTX. There was no significant difference in rate of successful treatment between the MWA and PTX groups (χ2=2.299, p = 0.125). However, the MWA group showed significantly lower range of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) decrease than the PTX group (t=−2.352, p = 0.023). Postoperative clinical symptoms improved in both groups, with no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). Postoperative hypocalcemia was significantly more common in the PTX group (p < 0.05). The operative time, incision and postoperative pain of the MWA group were significantly better than those of the PTX group (p < 0.05), while postoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and hematoma showed no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). The cost of MWA was significantly less than PTX (p = 0.000). Conclusions Both MWA and PTX are effective and safe for severe secondary hyperparathyroidism. PTX is more thorough and traumatic, while MWA is minimally invasive and postoperative iPTH is more consistent with the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) recommendation.

Solitary Thyroid Nodule: Clinical, Sonography and Pathological Evaluation Risk of Malignancy

Aim: To determined risk of increases Incidence of Thyroid cancer in solitary thyroid nodules so Preoperative distinction between benign and malignant in solitary thyroid nodules is important and helps to avoid unnecessary surgery and its adverse effects, such as hypothyroidism, hypocalcemia, and recurrent nerve injury. Methods: Descriptive perspective analyzed data over a period of 6 years April 2015-April 2021 in Saudi Hospital at Hajjah, Yemen. 226 thyroid operations for 207 patients, 135 patient’s diagnosis as Solitary thyroid nodule and 72 patients as Multi nodular goiter. Patients with a clinically solitary thyroid nodule were included in the study group. Results: 135 cases of clinically detected solitary thyroid nodules, 126 female and 9 male patients, between 14 - 65 years age, median 41 years and mean 39.76 years, (94, 41) patients respectively Right side thyroid effect more than Left side, Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) sensitivity, specificity and accuracy was (61%, 72%, 64%) respectively. Postoperative histopathology reported 100 (74%) patients as having benign thyroid nodules and 35 patients (26%) as having malignant thyroid nodules. Postoperative transient hypocalcemia was observed in 9 patients (7%), and temporary hoarseness was observed in 3 patients (2%). Conclusion: The incidence of malignancy in solitary thyroid nodules is high. Rapid growth by history and hard fixed nodule by examination and hypoechoic, micro calcification and cervical lymphadenopathy on Thyroid Ultrasound frequently in malignant nodules. Male risk factors for thyroid cancer but age, number and size of nodules not included as risk factor. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is more helpful for diagnosing if aspiration under Ultrasound guidance and reading by experience histopathologists. The type of surgery depends on preoperative evaluation, including history, examination, ultrasound, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) result, and intraoperative assessment of the nodule. There are fewer complications of thyroid surgery by experienced surgeons.

Outcomes of Thyroid Surgery at Niamey National Hospital

Introduction: Goiter is the most common endocrine disease in the world. The objective of our study is to assess and compare the morbidity linked to the surgical management of goiters and thyroid tumors in the general surgery department of the Niamey National Hospital. Result: We collected data on a prospective basis on 112 cases having undergone a thyroidectomy between March 2019 and April 2020. The female sex is predominant with 96.4%, i.e. a sex ratio of 0.037. The average age is 41.2 years with extremes ranging from 22 to 72 years old. The average duration of evolution of goiter is 7.5 years with extremes ranging from 5 months to 20 years old. The first reason for consultation is anterior cervical swelling. TSH testing confirmed euthyroidism in 107 patients (95.5%). Therapeutically, loboisthmectomy is the most performed procedure with 43.7%. The postoperative hormonal assessment revealed 32% hypothyroidism at 6 months, with a significant difference for cases of total thyroidectomy. The occurrence of postoperative hypocalcemia was significantly greater after total and subtotal thyroidectomy. There is no significant difference in terms of recurrent complications. Conclusion: Thyroidectomies must be performed after adequate preparation and information to the patient on possible postoperative complications, hence the need for close medical monitoring immediately and remotely.