Analysis Of 35 Cases Of Hypocalcemic Complication Incidence Among Sub Total And Total Thyroidectomized Patients During 2014, Government Hospital In Chennai(India)

Context: Thyroid surgeries have been carried out since the late 19 th centuries. Ever since thyroidectomies were performed there had been occurrences of hypocalcaemia as post-operative complications. Though hypocalcemia as such isn’t a deadly complication it can reduce the quality of life of the patient progressively. It can also cripple a patient when combined with other ailments.Purpose: This study is undertaken to analyse the incidence of post-operative hypocalcemia in patients undergoing Subtotal and total thyroidectomy. With these results surgeons and physicians can take necessary precautions to avoid hypocalcemia as a complication to reduce the outcome patient welfare.Methods: Within the year 2014, 120 patients who underwent Subtotal thyroidectomy and Total thyroidectomy were selected. 23 males(19.2%) and 117 females(81.8%) were among the 120 patients. Pre-operative serum calcium levels was recorded along with other necessary tests. The patients were under observation post operatively for physical signs of hypocalcemia, serum calcium levels were recorded from immediate post-operative state up until 6 months with an intermediate measurement at 1 month to monitor subclinical hypocalcemia.Results: 120 patients with thyroid enlargement yet to undergo surgery were studied. The incidence of transient hypocalcemia in our study is 21.6% which is 26 patients and the incidence of permanent hypocalcemia(symptoms for > 6months) in our study is 7.5% which is 9 patients.Conclusion: The incidence of hypocalcemia(transient) in our study is 21.6% and permanent hypocalcemia requiring lifelong calcium and/or vitamin D3 supplementation is 7.5%. Post-operative hypocalcemia should be considered as a serious debilitating factor to the patient. Measures such as auto transplantation of parathyroid, fluorescent dyes, ultra-sonic shears and enhanced bipolar diathermy should be used during surgery. Calcium supplementation should be given to prospective patients who are at the risk of developing hypocalcemia.