Transient Postoperative Hypocalcemia Research Articles

Decreased level of pre-operative vitamin D in a patient who is undergoing a total thyroidectomy is an early indicator of post-operative hypocalcemia.

Objective: To investigate the viability of utilizing preoperative serum vitamin D levels as a predictor of postoperative transient hypocalcemia in patients who were undergoing total thyroidectomy in our population. Study Design: Prospective Observational study. Setting: Shifa International Hospital Islamabad, Pakistan. Period: 1st July 2020 to 30th June 2022. Material & Methods: All the data was collected prospectively. Patients are divided into two groups depending on the pre- operative vitamin D levels. The preoperative vitamin D levels are checked on day of admission before the surgery. After the surgery, their post-operative serum calcium levels are checked at 6 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours. Intact PTH levels are also checked after the surgery and correlation of transient hypocalcemia with intact PTH levels is also checked. Results: Our results strongly predict that serum Vitamin D levels and intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels are diagnostic indicators of transient hypocalcemia in post thyroidectomy patients. Conclusion: Our study shows: Pre-operative vitamin D is an early indicator of hypocalcemia in post-thyroidectomy patients. Serum intact parathyroid hormone levels is an early indicator of hypocalcemia in post-thyroidectomy patients.

Surgical Management of Goiter with Intrathoracic Extension at the Philippine General Hospital Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery

Objective: To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with intrathoracic thyroid masses managed surgically in our institution, determine associated factors affecting eventual operative approaches for these patients, and assess postoperative outcomes and complications associated with surgical intervention. Methods: Design: Retrospective descriptive case series Setting:Tertiary National University Hospital Participants: 24 patients Results: The mean age of patients diagnosed with intrathoracic goiters was 55.71 years old, with a 1:1.4 male to female ratio; with most having an intrathoracic extent of Huins Grade 1 (67%) compared to others having Huins Grade 2-3. Majority of patients pre-operatively had a Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Bethesda Thyroid Nodule Classification of Category II (benign); 79% of total patients underwent excision of thyroid mass utilizing a transcervical approach alone. As Intrathoracic Extension (ITE) grade increased, additional transthoracic approaches were performed; duration of operation, average estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay was also noted to increase. Majority of post operative surgical histopathology results revealed malignant thyroid masses, in contrast to pre-operative FNA. Post-operative transient hypocalcemia was the most reported immediate complication. Conclusions: Management of intrathoracic goiter is often multidisciplinary. Referral to the thoracic vascular service is warranted for access to the thoracic inlet. Classification by grade of intrathoracic goiters is helpful to determine the most appropriate operative approach and maybe predictive of intraoperative and postoperative outcomes. Postoperative histopathology across all ITE grades mostly yield malignant results; hence, preoperative FNA results should be used with caution.

Intraoperative indocyanine green angiography for predicting postoperative hypoparathyroidism.

Postoperative hypocalcemia is a common complication of thyroidectomy. This problem is most often associated with accidental devascularization or excision of the parathyroid glands (PG). Aim was to study near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent imaging with intraoperative PG indocyanine green (ICG) angiography to help identify and preserve PG during total thyroidectomy in order to avoid postoperative hypocalcemia. From 2017 to 2022, a total of 92 patients underwent total thyroidectomy at Odessa Regional Hospital. Indications for surgery were multinodular goiter (n = 42), thyroid cancer (n = 43), and Graves' disease (n = 7). By randomization all patients were divided into two groups: in the control group, 48 patients underwent standard total thyroidectomy, and in the main group, 44 patients underwent NIR-assisted total thyroidectomy with ICG angiography. Serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels were compared between the two groups of patients in 1, 7-15days after surgery and then 3, 6months later. In the control group, based on a visual assessment of the PG, autotransplantation of the PG was conducted in only five cases. In the second group, autotransplantation was performed in 16 patients. The transient postoperative hypocalcemia was observed in 8 patients of the control group (16, 70%) and in the 2 patients of ICG group (4, 50%) on 5-10 postoperative days. In the first group, 2 patients at 3months after surgery had permanent hypocalcaemia. NIR fluorescent imaging with intraoperative PG ICG angiography is a safe and an easily repeatable method. This technique provides improved detecting and assessment of the perfusion of the PG. The need for autotransplantation of the PG can be determined more objectively using ICG imaging than simple visualization.

Incidental parathyroidectomy during total thyroidectomy and functional parathyroid preservation: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThe published rate of incidental parathyroidectomy (IP) during thyroid surgery varies between 5.8% and 29%. The risk factors and clinical significance of postoperative transient hypocalcemia and permanent hypoparathyroidism are still debated. The aims of this study were to assess the clinical relevance of avoidable IP for transient hypocalcemia and permanent hypoparathyroidism, and to describe the risk factors for IP.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 1,537 patients who had a one-step total thyroidectomy in a high-volume endocrine surgery center between 2018 and 2019. Pathology reports were reviewed for incidentally removed parathyroid glands. Intrathyroidal parathyroid glands were excluded from the study. Demographic characteristics, potential risk factors, and postoperative calcium and PTH levels were compared between IP and control groups.ResultsAvoidable IP occurred in 234 (15.2%) patients. Patients with IP had a higher risk of transient hypocalcemia (17.9% vs. 11.5%, p = 0.006; odds ratio [OR] 1.68, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]1.16–2.45) and permanent hypoparathyroidism (4.7% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.002; OR 3.01, 95% CI 1.29–6.63) than patients without IP. Multivariate analysis showed that central lymph node dissection (CLND) and incidental removal of thymus tissue were independent risk factors for IP (OR 4.83, 95% CI 2.71–8.86, p < 0.001 and OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.02–2.82, p = 0.038).ConclusionsPatients with IP were more likely to develop transient hypocalcemia and permanent hypoparathyroidism, indicating the clinical significance of avoidable IP for patients and the need for raising awareness among surgeons. Patients undergoing CLND are at a higher risk for IP, and should be adequately informed and treated. Any removal of thymus tissue should be avoided during CLND.

Unpredictable nightmare in thyroid surgery: Incidental Parathyroidectomy

Background: Incidental removal of the parathyroid gland is an unwanted minor complication of thyroidectomy and would occur even in experienced centers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our clinic’s outcomes, incidence, and risk factors for incidental parathyroidectomy. &#x0D; Methods: A total of 627 patients with an average age of 50.74±12.68 years were included in the study. Seventy-eight point nine percent of the patients had bilateral total thyroidectomy, 11.2% had a total lobectomy with isthmectomy, 4.8% had completed thyroidectomy, 4% had bilateral total thyroidectomy with bilateral central dissection and 1.1% had bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy. Incidental parathyroidectomy was observed in 6.4% (n=40) of all patients.&#x0D; Results: There was a significant correlation between incidental parathyroidectomy and bilateral total thyroidectomy and bilateral central neck dissection. There were no statistically significant differences between the incidental and nonincidental parathyroidectomy group with respect to age and gender. While the preoperative diagnosis of hyperthyroidism (20.6% vs 7.5%) was significantly higher in the non-incidental parathyroidectomy group than in the incidental parathyroidectomy group, and the diagnosis of malignancy was significantly higher in the incidental parathyroidectomy group (32.5% vs. 11.6%, p=0.001). Regarding parathyroid localization, our incidental parathyroidectomy rate was higher in intrathyroidal localized cases. Postoperative transient hypocalcemia (62.5%) was higher in the incidental parathyroidectomy group than in the non-incidental parathyroidectomy group (34.4%, p

3D Transoral Endoscopic Thyroid.

Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy with vestibular approach (TOETVA) is a feasible new surgical procedure that does not require visible incisions. We describe our experience with three-dimensional (3D) TOETVA. We recruited 98 patients who were willing to undergo 3D TOETVA. Inclusion criteria were: (a) patients with a neck ultrasound (US) with an estimated thyroid diameter of 10cm or less; (b) estimated US gland volume ≤45ml; (c) nodule size ≤50mm; (d) benign tumor, such as thyroid cyst, goiter with one nodule, or goiter with multiple nodules; (e) follicular neoplasia; and (f) papillary microcarcinoma without evidence of metastases. The procedure is performed using a three-port technique at the oral vestibule, a 10mm port for the 30° endoscope, and two additional 5mm ports for dissecting and coagulation instruments. The CO2 insufflation pressure is set at 6mmHg. An anterior cervical subplatysmal space is created from the oral vestibule to the sternal notch and laterally to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Thyroidectomy is performed entirely 3D endoscopically with conventional endoscopic instruments and intraoperative neuromonitoring. There were 34% total thyroidectomies and 66% hemithyroidectomies. Ninety-eight 3D TOETVA procedures were successfully performed without any conversions. The mean operative time was 87.6 minutes (59-118 minutes) for lobectomy and 107.6 minutes (99-135 minutes) for bilateral surgery. We observed one case of transient postoperative hypocalcemia. Paralysis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve did not occur. The cosmetic outcome was excellent in all patients. This is the first case series of 3D TOETVA.

Clinical predictors of ectopic parathyroid adenomas: experience with 421 confirmed parathyroid adenoma localizations.

This study was designed to evaluate whether patients with ectopic parathyroid adenoma (EPA) have clinical predictors by comparing them with other patients operated on for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) with uniglandular parathyroid adenomas in other localizations. The data of PHPT patients who underwent parathyroidectomy in our institution were assessed retrospectively. Abnormal gland localization was confirmed by operative and pathology reports as well as normocalcemia that lasted for at least 6months postoperatively. The relationships of biochemical and clinical findings of patients with confirmed adenoma localizations were analyzed. In order to determine independent factors that can predict EPAs, binary logistic regression was used. Among 421 patients (83.4% female, mean age 49 ± 13.2years) enrolled in the study, the most common adenoma localization was the lower left parathyroid gland (36.1%; p < 0.001). Parathyroid adenomas were more common in lower localizations compared to upper localizations and were smaller in size (p < 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). In univariate analysis, serum intact parathyroid hormone and calcium levels were found to be higher (p = 0.004 and p = 0.002, respectively), moderate/severe hypercalcemia was more common (p = 0.024), phosphorus levels were lower (p = 0.04), and postoperative transient hypocalcemia was more common (p = 0.013) in cases of EPAs than other localizations. There was no significant difference in adenoma size between EPAs and other classical localizations. In multivariate analysis, only a high serum calcium level was an independent predictor of EPAs (OR 2.017, 95% CI 1.142-3.564, p = 0.016). Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis yielded an optimal cutoff value of 12.25mg/dL for serum calcium (88% sensitivity, 63% specificity, and area under the curve: 0.861). EPAs can cause a more biochemically distinct PHPT picture compared to parathyroid adenomas in classical localizations. A high calcium level at diagnosis may be a clinical predictor for EPAs and may affect the clinical approach and imaging technique choices. Due to the increased risk of transient hypocalcemia in patients with EPAs, caution should be exercised in postoperative follow-up. Furthermore, in the event of negative preoperative imaging, starting the parathyroid exploration from the lower left region may be a good option for the surgeon.

Indocyanine green fluorescence and near-infrared autofluorescence may improve post-thyroidectomy parathyroid function

BackgroundNear-infrared autofluorescence and indocyanine green fluorescence are 2 recent tools introduced to improve postoperative parathyroid function during thyroid surgery. MethodsWe conducted a randomized prospective study. Patients undergoing total thyroidectomy were randomly assigned either to the fluorescence group, in which near-infrared autofluorescence and indocyanine green fluorescence were used, or to the control group. The primary outcomes of the study were the rate of postoperative transient and symptomatic hypocalcemia. ResultsA significantly higher number of parathyroid glands were identified in the fluorescence group (3.83 vs 3.64, P = .028). The rate of postoperative symptomatic hypocalcemia was significantly lower in the fluorescence group (6% vs 17%, P = .015), as was the dosage (1.53 vs 1.91 g, P = .007) and the duration of calcium therapy (32.30 vs 45.66 days, P = .003). Having at least 2 well-vascularized parathyroid glands correlates to lower rates of transient hypocalcemia (7.4% vs 21.9%, P = .037) as well as to higher serum calcium (8.70 vs 8.42 mg/dL, P = .027) and parathyroid hormone levels (19.15 vs 11.4 pg/mL, P = .0002) on postoperative day 1. ConclusionNear-infrared autofluorescence and indocyanine green fluorescence are novel tools that may support the endocrine surgeon in preserving and predicting post-thyroidectomy parathyroid gland function.

Transient Hypocalcemia After Total Thyroidectomy: The Obesity Paradox at Work?

IntroductionWith increasing rates of obesity worldwide, a correlation between high body mass index (BMI) and postoperative morbidity after thyroid surgery remains unclear. Postoperative transient hypocalcemia is common after total thyroidectomy due to interruption of parathyroid function. This study examines the relationship between BMI and hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy. Materials and methodsA retrospective review of prospectively collected data for 1135 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for cancer, multinodular goiter (MNG), or Graves’ disease between June 2009 and November 2020 at a single institution was performed. BMI groups followed the World Health Organization classification. Hypocalcemia was defined as serum calcium ≤8 mg/dL. Calcium levels measured on postoperative day 0 and the following morning were compared between the BMI groups. ResultsOf 1135 total thyroidectomy patients, 85% were women. The mean age and standard deviation of patients was 49 (± 13) y, with most of Hispanic origin (64%). Overall, 41.5% of patients had cancer, 45% nontoxic MNG, 5.8% toxic MNG, and 12% Graves' disease. Stratified by BMI, 27% of patients were normal, 34% overweight, and 39% obese. Overall, overweight and obese patients experienced less transient hypocalcemia at both time points compared to normal patients postoperatively (P = 0.01 and P = 0.009). Furthermore, overweight and obese patients with Graves’ disease experienced less transient hypocalcemia at both time points (P = 0.04 and P = 0.05). There was no statistical difference in other groups. ConclusionsA protective role of higher BMI or “obesity paradox” for postoperative hypocalcemia may exist in those obese patients after total thyroidectomy.

Indocyanine Green Angiography of Parathyroid Glands versus Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone Assay as a Reliable Predictor for Post Thyroidectomy Transient Hypocalcemia

Background Prediction of postoperative hypocalcemia is a fundamental issue in thyroidectomy. Indocyanine green (ICG) angiography of parathyroid glands is a feasible method to detect the perfusion of parathyroid glands and predict postoperative hypocalcemia. Materials and Methods A prospective observational study was conducted at Ain Shams University Hospitals between April 2018 and April 2021. The included cases of total thyroidectomy underwent intraoperative ICG fluorescence angiography to identify the four parathyroid glands and score each gland according to the viability. Patients in which less than four glands were identified were excluded. Intraoperative intact parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) level assay was also measured to compare with ICG in predicting postoperative transient hypocalcemia. Results A total of 134 cases underwent total thyroidectomy during the study period. We could identify the four parathyroid glands in 90 patients, including them in the study. We had postoperative hypocalcemia in 28 cases (31.1%). The diagnostic accuracy of ICG angiography and ioPTH level assay was high and almost similar (82.22% versus 87.78%). Both were higher than the surgeons’ diagnostic accuracy of visual inspection (62.22%). Conclusions ICG angiography of the parathyroid gland is a safe, reliable predictor for postoperative transient hypocalcemia with a high and almost similar accuracy compared to intraoperative parathyroid hormone level.

Can preoperative 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels predict transient hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy?

Transient postoperative hypocalcemia is a common complication after total thyroidectomy. Evidence on contributing metabolic factors is contradictory. Our work aims to define the role of preoperative 25-hydroxyvitaminD levels in developing transient postoperative hypocalcemia. 183 consecutive patients who underwent total thyroidectomy at our institution (May 2017–December 2019) were included in the retrospective study. We reported gender, age, estimated glomerular filtration rate, creatinine, preoperative 25-hydroxyvitaminD, serum pre- and postoperative calcium, pre- and postoperative PTH levels and transient postoperative hypocalcemia occurrences. We compared variables both among patients with and without transient postoperative hypocalcemia and between patients with different 25-hydroxyvitaminD levels (< 10 ng/ml deficitary; 11–30 ng/ml insufficient; > 30 ng/ml, normal). A binomial logistic regression model evaluating the risk for transient postoperative hypocalcemia was elaborated. Patients with transient postoperative hypocalcemia had lower levels of postoperative PTH (p < 0.001) and more frequently normal or deficitary 25-hydroxyvitaminD levels (p = 0.05). When comparing patients according to their 25-hydroxyvitaminD levels, insufficiency was associated with a lower rate of transient postoperative hypocalcemia (p = 0.05); deficiency was associated with higher preoperative PTH (p = 0.021), postoperative PTH (p = 0.043) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.031) and lower serum creatinine (p = 0.014). In the regression model higher preoperative PTH (OR = 1.011, p = 0.041) and 25-hydroxyvitaminD deficiency (OR = 0.343, p = 0.011) significantly predicted transient postoperative hypocalcemia. Data analysis revealed a correlation between transient postoperative hypocalcemia and 25-hydroxyvitaminD levels: our work points towards the possibility to stratify the risk of transient postoperative hypocalcemia according to patients’ preoperative 25-hydroxyvitaminD status.

Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of Primary Hyperparathyroidism: An Efficacy and Safety Study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). MethodsOur study enrolled 25 patients who were treated with RFA for pHPT from September 2015 to January 2020. The serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), calcium, and phosphate levels were tested within 1 week before RFA and at 1 day, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after ablation. The ablation areas were evaluated using ultrasound at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after RFA. Postoperative complications, including voice hoarseness, hematoma, postoperative pain, incision infections, hypoparathyroidism, and hypocalcemia, were recorded. ResultsA total of 25 patients with pHPT (mean age, 53.9 ± 10.9 years; 22 women and 3 men) with 29 enlarged parathyroid glands were treated with RFA. Of the 25 patients, 22 were treated in 1 session and 3 were treated in 2 sessions. Serum iPTH and calcium levels decreased significantly on day 1 after RFA (all P < .05). A total of 21 patients had normal levels of serum iPTH and calcium after RFA, with a cure rate of 84%. At the 12-month follow-up, 26 treated parathyroid glands exhibited a volume reduction rate of >70%. There were only a few minor complications, including 4 cases of postoperative pain (in 4 of the 25 patients [16%]) and 1 case of mild postoperative transient hypocalcemia (in 1 of the 25 patients [4%]). ConclusionUltrasound-guided RFA is an effective and safe technique for the treatment of carefully selected patients with pHPT. However, larger sample size and longer follow-up are still needed to further confirm its clinical value.

A Rapid Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone Assay Based on the Immune Colloidal Gold Technique for Parathyroid Identification in Thyroid Surgery.

ObjectiveA novel immunochromatographic test strip method was developed to detect tissue parathyroid hormone (PTH) using the immune colloidal gold technique (ICGT). The accuracy and application value of this method for intraoperative parathyroid identification were evaluated.MethodsSerum samples were collected to measure PTH by both ICGT and electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). Patients who underwent unilateral and total thyroidectomy were enrolled to evaluate the feasibility and clinical efficacy of rapid intraoperative identification of parathyroid glands via PTH determination using ICGT. Two sample preparation methods, fine needle aspiration (FNA) and tissue block homogenate (TBH), were used for PTH-ICGT analysis.ResultsBablok analysis showed a linear relationship between the serum PTH measurements obtained by ICGT and ECLIA. Non-parathyroid tissues had much lower PTH concentrations (14.8 ± 2.1 pg/ml, n = 97) detected by ICGT, compared to the parathyroid gland tissues (955.3 ± 16.1 pg/ml, n = 79; P < 0.0001), With biopsy results as the standard, ICGT showed higher diagnosis rates as compared with direct visual inspection, for identifying both parathyroid glands (97.4 vs. 78.2%) and non-parathyroid tissues (100 vs. 68.9%). The cut-off values for parathyroid identification by FNA and TBH methods were 63.99 and 136.30 pg/ml, respectively. The detection time was 2 min by TBH method for in vitro tissue detection and 6 min by FNA method for in situ tissue detection, both of which were faster than traditional intraoperative cryopathological examination (usually >30 min). Intraoperative application of ICGT method was associated with higher postoperative serum calcium and blood PTH levels at 1 and 3 months as well as a lower incidence of postoperative transient hypocalcemia, as compared with direct visual inspection.ConclusionPTH-ICGT assay shows high potential as a rapid, novel alternative for intraoperative parathyroid identification.

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.

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.

The utility of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in predicting post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia in thyrotoxic subjects: a single-center cohort study

Background: The role of preoperative vitamin D deficiency as a predictor of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia in thyrotoxic subjects is controversially reported. This prospective cohort study determined the utility of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels in predicting transient hypocalcemia in thyrotoxic and euthyroid patients undergoing total thyroidectomy (TT).Methods: Subjects with new-onset hyperthyroidism (n=97; age=median (Inter-Quartile Range); 38 (18) years; M:F=25:72) and age; sex-matched euthyroid cohorts (n=231; age=37 (18) years; M:F=40:191) undergoing TT were evaluated for serum corrected-calcium, intact parathormone and 25OHD levels at baseline, 48-hour and 6-months post-TT, p value &lt;0.05 was considered significant.Results: The incidence of transient hypocalcemia in thyrotoxic subjects was 58.8% (57/97) versus 22.5% (52/179) in euthyroid cohorts. In receiver operating characteristic analysis predicting transient hypocalcemia for the test-variable preoperative 25OHD, the area under curve (AUC) among euthyroid subjects was 0.725 (95% CI: 0.641-0.809; p&lt;0.001) with a threshold of 17.6 ng/mL with sensitivity and specificity of 65.4% and 64.2% respectively. In thyrotoxic subjects, the AUC was 0.573 (95% CI; 0.452-0.694; p=0.222) with poorer predictability and was less than that of euthyroid subjects.Conclusions: Preoperative 25OHD below 17.6 ng/ml was reliable in predicting transient postoperative hypocalcemia in euthyroid subjects though with a limited sensitivity and specificity but unreliable in thyrotoxic subjects undergoing TT.

Comparative Study between Backdoor and Conventional Thyroidectomy in Non-Recurrent Goiter

Background: Thyroidectomy is the most common endocrine surgery. The traditional procedure of thyroidectomy is through midline splitting of strap musculatures. The Backdoor approach of thyroidectomy is an established method to explore thyroid and parathyroid lesions. Objective: To evaluate how safe and feasible is the backdoor approach for thyroidectomy and to compare its results with the conventional thyroidectomy technique. Patients and methods: This prospective study was conducted at Mansoura University Hospitals. We included 40 cases with benign non-recurrent goiter who were divided into 2 equal groups; group “A” included 20 cases who underwent the conventional procedure, and group “B” which included the remaining 20 cases who underwent the backdoor procedure. Results: Regarding the early post-operative period, the backdoor group (group B) experienced less post-operative pain scores and thus, less need for analgesic requirement (1.67 vs. 3.76 for the other group – p = 0.017). One case (5%) in group A was complicated by hematoma and was managed via surgical exploration. Both groups had the same range of hospital stay after the operation (2 days). Superficial surgical site infection was diagnosed in one case (5%) in each group. Transient post-operative hypocalcemia was encountered in 5 cases (25%) in group A and 2 cases (10%) in group B (p = 0.179). Conclusion: Based on our study findings, it was evident that back door thyroidectomy has more advantages compared to the conventional approach including: Less post-operative pain as peritracheal fascia is not closed, easy identification of parathyroid glands and recurrent laryngeal nerve and avoidance of recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries.

Comparative Study between Backdoor and Conventional Thyroidectomy in Non-Recurrent Goiter

Background: Thyroidectomy is the most common endocrine surgery. The traditional procedure of thyroidectomy is through midline splitting of strap musculatures. The Backdoor approach of thyroidectomy is an established method to explore thyroid and parathyroid lesions. Objective: To evaluate how safe and feasible is the backdoor approach for thyroidectomy and to compare its results with the conventional thyroidectomy technique. Patients and methods: This prospective study was conducted at Mansoura University Hospitals. We included 40 cases with benign non-recurrent goiter who were divided into 2 equal groups; group “A” included 20 cases who underwent the conventional procedure, and group “B” which included the remaining 20 cases who underwent the backdoor procedure. Results: Regarding the early post-operative period, the backdoor group (group B) experienced less post-operative pain scores and thus, less need for analgesic requirement (1.67 vs. 3.76 for the other group – p = 0.017). One case (5%) in group A was complicated by hematoma and was managed via surgical exploration. Both groups had the same range of hospital stay after the operation (2 days). Superficial surgical site infection was diagnosed in one case (5%) in each group. Transient post-operative hypocalcemia was encountered in 5 cases (25%) in group A and 2 cases (10%) in group B (p = 0.179). Conclusion: Based on our study findings, it was evident that back door thyroidectomy has more advantages compared to the conventional approach including: Less post-operative pain as peritracheal fascia is not closed, easy identification of parathyroid glands and recurrent laryngeal nerve and avoidance of recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries.

Study of the incidence of hypocalcemia in patients undergoing bilateral thyroid surgery

Background: Thyroid surgery are among the most common operations performed all over the world. Hypocalcemia following total thyroidectomy is a fairly common complication. Occurrence of acute hypocalcemia can be predicted in patients undergoing thyroid surgery, based on serial calcium measurement and this helps in early prediction of hypocalcemia. The aim of present study was to assess the incidence of post thyroidectomy hypocalcemia and factors which might play a role in its occurrence.Methods: A total 30 patients who underwent bilateral thyroidectomy were analysed. The study period was from June 2017 to March 2019. The incidence of hypocalcemia was analysed with serial calcium estimation in immediate post-operative period, 4 hours and 24 hours after surgery and on 5th post-operative day. The factors analysed included pre-operative and post-operative serum calcium levels, clinical features, the disease type and factors related to surgery. The ethical approval was taken from the ethical committee of the institute. At the end of the study data was collected and analysed by using student t-test and chi square test. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.Results: Post-operative transient hypocalcemia developed in 21 patients out of 30 (70%). Of them six patients (28.75%) developed severe hypocalcemia and 15 (71.42%) developed mild to moderate hypocalcemia. Out of six patients, five patients were histopathologically diagnosed as malignant thyroid disease. 15 patients who developed mild to moderate hypocalcemia were diagnosed to be having benign thyroid conditions.Conclusions: Patients underwent thyroid surgery for malignant conditions showed higher incidence and severity hypocalcemia as compared to cases where surgery was performed for benign thyroid disease. This complication can be prevented with meticulous perioperative dissection, prompt identification of parathyroid glands and frequent postoperative monitoring of serum calcium levels.

Intraoperative identification of parathyroid glands by autofluorescence on total thyroidectomy – Does it really reduces post-operative hypocalcemia?

Abstract Background Intraoperative identification of parathyroid glands which remains largely dependent on the surgeon's expertise, is a major challenge in endocrine surgery and the most efficient way to reduce postoperative hypocalcemia and its important morbidity. Since the description on autofluorescence of parathyroid glands by Paras et al. in 2011, other works had confirmed the utility of this property in the identification of the glands but its efficacy in reducing hypocalcemia is not completely stated. In this study we evaluate the utilization of a low-cost device in total thyroidectomy. Methods In a before and after controlled study we compared patients submitted to total thyroidectomy by the same surgeon in two periods: From January 2017 to February 2018 (visual identification of parathyroid glands) and from February 2018 to December 2019 (with utilization of the near infrared system). Main outcomes included postoperative hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism, parathyroid identification and incidental resection. Results Patients in the study group displayed significantly lower postoperative hypoparathyroidism (p = 0.044). In spite of the reduction observed in study group absolute values of calcium and number of hypocalcemic patients didn't achieve statistical significance. There were no patients with permanent hypocalcemia in study group comparing with 3 in the control group. Number of parathyroid glands identified was significantly higher in study group (p Near infrared autofluorescence device was able to identify accurately inadvertently removed parathyroid glands, with a sensivity of 100% and a specificity of 87.5%. Conclusions Event though we couldn't demonstrate significant improvement in transient postoperative hypocalcemia, the reduction of permanent hypocalcemia and the improvement in surgeon's ability and confidence in the identification of parathyroid glands could make near infrared autofluorescence an useful tool in surgery of thyroid gland.