Hypoparathyroidism After Total Thyroidectomy

Abstract

With a reported incidence of 1.6% to 50%,^1,2 postoperative hypocalcemia is the most common and sometimes the most severe complication observed after total thyroidectomy. Therefore patients must undergo close postoperative observation and frequent laboratory evaluations. The reasons for postoperative hypoparathyroidism are devascularization of parathyroid glands during surgery owing to the close proximity of the thyroid capsule, the accidental removal of 1 or more parathyroid gland(s), destruction of the parathyroid glands as a result of lymphadenectomy along the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), or hypoparathyroidism due to hematoma formation.^3,4