Is postoperative hypocalcaemia a life threatening complication following thyroidectomies? A prospective study in the rural population of Kanchipuram

Hypocalcaemia is one of the commonest complications that can occur after thyroidectomies. Permanent hypocalcaemia following thyroidectomy causes considerable morbidity. This prospective observational study aims to define the factors likely to predict hypocalcaemia following thyroidectomy.

59 Patients who were subjected to all types of thyroidectomy during February 2012 to January 2014 were studied retrospectively. Preoperative and postoperative Serum Calcium was estimated in all the patients.

The incidence of hypocalcaemia increased with increasing age groups. Out of 59 cases, 19 patients developed temporary hypocalcaemia postoperatively (32%). None of the patient had permanent hypocalcaemia. Of these cases 5% had hemithyroidectomy, 26% sub total thyroidectomy, 67% near total thyroidectomy, 64% total thyroidectomy and 67% completion thyroidectomy.

Hypocalcaemia is a serious postoperative complication of thyroidectomies. It should be promptly diagnosed and treated early. All types of thyroidectomies should be investigated for hypocalcaemia. Care should be taken in exploring the parathyroid glands intraoperatively is an excellent method to prevent permanent hypocalcaemia.