Frequency of asymptomatic hypocalcaemia in post-thyroidectomy patients: An experience in tertiary care hospital.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of post-operative asymptomatic hypocalcaemia in patients with total and subtotal thyroidectomy. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Surgery, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan. Period: 1^st July 2021 to 30^th April 2022. Material & Methods: One hundred and Sixteen post thyroidectomy male and female patients of age 18-50 years were included in the study using consecutive sampling technique and two groups were formed. Group-A included those patients who underwent total thyroidectomy and in Group-B patients underwent sub-total thyroidectomy. Samples for serum calcium levels were collected in gel tube before and 24 hours after surgery. Post-operative Hypocalcemia was defined by serum total calcium < 8.5 mg/dL 24 hours after surgery. Patients with symptomatic post-operative hypocalcemia following total or subtotal thyroidectomy or hypocalcemia due to any other reason or systemic disease e.g. renal disease and pregnant females were excluded by history and medical record. Data was analyzed using SPSS 20. Results: In Group A the Mean age was 30.94 ±9.6 years, while those in Group B were 31.59± 11.03 years. In Group A 62 (35.63%) and in 30 (17.245%) of Group B patients respectively were identified with asymptomatic hypocalcemia. A statistically significant difference was seen in both groups. 0.00 is the probability value. Conclusion: When compared to sub-total thyroidectomy, the frequency of asymptomatic hypocalcaemia was substantially higher following total thyroidectomy. Asymptomatic hypocalcaemia after complete or partial thyroidectomy might affect both men and women equally. After subtotal or total thyroidectomy, both younger and older age groups had an equal likelihood of developing asymptomatic hypocalcaemia.