Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
04:09
Minimal Invasive Resection of Large Retrosternal Thyroid Goiter
Published on: September 20, 2024
[Incidence of hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy]
Patricio Gac E1, Patricio Cabané T, José Amat V
1Departamento de Cirugía Endocrina y General, Hospital Clínico, Universidad de Chile, Santos Dumont, Chile. patriciogac@yahoo.com.ar
Revista Medica De Chile
|March 21, 2007
Summary
Postoperative hypocalcemia is a common complication following total thyroidectomy. This study found its incidence comparable to international reports, with most patients recovering normal calcium levels within two months.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Oncology
- Neurosurgery
Context:
- Postoperative hypocalcemia is a frequent complication after thyroid surgery.
- Total thyroidectomy is a standard procedure for thyroid disease but carries risks.
- Factors influencing hypocalcemia include disease type, parathyroid gland identification, and surgeon experience.
Purpose:
- To determine the incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy.
Summary:
- A retrospective review of 448 patients and a prospective study of 45 patients assessed hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy.
- The retrospective analysis identified clinical hypocalcemia in 14% and low serum calcium in 50% of eligible records.
- The prospective study found low serum calcium in 42% and symptoms in 15% of patients, with 99% normalizing within two months.
Impact:
- This study provides data on the incidence of hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy.
- Findings suggest the complication rate is consistent with global observations.
- Understanding these rates aids in patient counseling and management strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Hormones and Bone Tissue
The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
01:21Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
Calcium is not only the most abundant mineral in bone but also the most abundant mineral in the human body. Calcium ions are needed for bone mineralization, tooth health, heart rate regulation and strength of contraction, blood coagulation, the contraction of smooth and skeletal muscle cells, and the regulation of nerve impulse conduction. The average calcium level in the blood is about 10 mg/dL. When the body cannot maintain this level, a person will experience hypo or hypercalcemia.
01:23Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hypothyroidism is a disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, and multiple organ systems.TypesHypothyroidism is classified based on the level of dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism results from intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction, causing reduced hormone production despite normal or increased stimulation. Secondary hypothyroidism arises from inadequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion by the pituitary. Tertiary...
01:27Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...
01:25Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...
00:51Synthesis and Functions of Calcitonin
Calcitonin, a vital polypeptide hormone, regulates calcium levels within body fluids. It is released by the parafollicular cells, also known as C cells, situated in the follicular epithelium of the thyroid gland. Calcitonin responds to fluctuations in blood calcium levels and the influence of gastrointestinal hormones like gastrin and cholecystokinin.
The exact mechanisms by which calcitonin operates in calcium homeostasis remain elusive, but its significance is evident in several vital...
The exact mechanisms by which calcitonin operates in calcium homeostasis remain elusive, but its significance is evident in several vital...