Author :
Alpana Deka, Musuka Gwra Narzary, Rupam Borgohain, Mangalik Mukherjee, Karishma Ali, Manish Sarma, Huidrom Tondon Chanu
Volume :
8
Issue :
3
Abstract :
Background: Thyroidectomy which was once labelled as butchery (Samuel gross) and was banned in Europe has now come to be one of the most skillful of surgical procedures. There are 4 parathyroid glands lying in close association with the thyroid gland which are responsible for calcium homeostasis of the body. Post-operative hypo parathyroidism results from a reduction of functioning of these parathyroid parenchyma. This results in transient or delayed hypocalcemia which in some cases makes the patient dependent on lifetime of calcium supplement.Materials and Methods: A prospective hospital based cross sectional study was done over 50 patients in a period of one year indicated for thyroidectomy and monitored for hypocalcemia and its impact on post-operative QOL. A successful attempt was made to start pre-operative oral calcium supplements for patient less than 8 mg /dl serum calcium levels.Results: Out of 50 patients, 21 Patients showed consistent normocalcaemia. 5 of the patients showed severe hypocalcaemia. 28 patients required post-operative calcium supplement.Conclusion: Visualization and saving of the parathyroid gland along with its vasculature by meticulous capsular dissection remain the most challenging yet effective way to prevent post-operative hypocalcaemia in thyroid surgery.
Keyword :
Hypocalcemia, Iatrogenic Injury, Parathyroid, Thyroidectomy