“Hypoparathyroidism (HP) is a recognized but serious complication of thyroidectomy. Conventional techniques for parathyroid autograft (PA) occur with the insertion of parathyroid slices in muscle pockets and have a published incidence of HP of 4%–8%. The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence of HP after thyroidectomy at our center, where we have used a modified technique for PA.”

“Between 2008 and 2014, 856 patients underwent thyroidectomy. PA was done during 286 operations (33.5%): 211 single glands, 66 double implants, and 9 triple glands. Inferior parathyroid glands required PA more frequently than superior glands (54% vs 26%). PA was done more frequently during total thyroidectomy than during lobectomy (odds ratio 16.5, p ≤ 0.001). Neither the thyroid tissue diagnosis nor the need for lymph node dissection increased the use of PA. Transient hypocalcemia (Ca⁺⁺ < 7.0) occurred in 14% of total thyroidectomies with PA and in 7% of total thyroidectomies without PA. No patient suffered HP after thyroid lobectomy or total thyroidectomy.”

Patel, Snehal G., et al. “Permanent hypoparathyroidism after thyroidectomy: an avoidable complication.” VideoEndocrinology 5.2 (2018). Emory Users Request via ILLiad