Article information
Introduction. A retrospective study was performed to assess the incidence of hypoparathyroidism following thyroid and parathyroid surgery.
Patients and methods. We review 100 consecutive patients who underwent thyroidectomy (50% total and 50% subtotal) and 17 consecutive operations to treat hyperparathyroidism, carried out between November of 1994 and January of 1996. The surgical technique, patient management and follow-up are described.
Results. The rates of transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism following thyroidectomy were both 1%. After surgery for hyperparathyroidism, these rates were 23.5% and 11.7%, respectively. The factors implicated in the onset of this complication are discussed.
Conclusions.. Occasionally it is impossible to avoid postoperative hypoparathyroidism, despite a careful surgical technique, but the risks can be minimized by expert surgeons.
Patients and methods. We review 100 consecutive patients who underwent thyroidectomy (50% total and 50% subtotal) and 17 consecutive operations to treat hyperparathyroidism, carried out between November of 1994 and January of 1996. The surgical technique, patient management and follow-up are described.
Results. The rates of transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism following thyroidectomy were both 1%. After surgery for hyperparathyroidism, these rates were 23.5% and 11.7%, respectively. The factors implicated in the onset of this complication are discussed.
Conclusions.. Occasionally it is impossible to avoid postoperative hypoparathyroidism, despite a careful surgical technique, but the risks can be minimized by expert surgeons.
Keywords:
Postoperative hypoparathyroidism
Thyroidectomy
Hyperparathyroidism
Surgical treatment
Complications
