Magnetic resonance imaging reduces the rate of unnecessary operations in pregnant patients with suspected acute appendicitis: a retrospective study

Purpose

This is a retrospective single-institution study performed to compare the rate of unnecessary operations in pregnant women with suspected acute appendicitis with and without the use of MRI.

Methods

The study subjects were all pregnant women with suspected acute appendicitis admitted to a tertiary institution from January 2012 to December 2019. If acute appendicitis was not excluded clinically and by ultrasound (US), laparoscopies were performed until May 2017 (US-only group). MRI was added as a diagnostic tool when US was inconclusive from May 2017 (US + MRI group). Surgery was considered unnecessary when no inflamed appendix was found. The rate of unnecessary surgery, postoperative complications, length of stay were analyzed.

Results

Seventy-six women were included in the study; 38 women in the US-only group and 38 women in the US + MRI group. There were no differences in admission characteristics between the groups. One of 38 women (2.6%) underwent unnecessary surgery in the US + MRI group vs. 10 of 38 (26.3%) in the US-only group (P = 0.007). The patients in the US + MRI group were significantly less likely to undergo a diagnostic operation than in the US-only group (5.26% vs. 55.3%, respectively; P < 0.001) and their hospital stay was significantly shorter (0.74 ± 1.64 days vs. 3.7 ± 3.0 days, respectively; P < 0.001). The obstetric outcomes were not different between the groups. MRI had a sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 100% in the series.

Conclusion

The rate of unnecessary surgery was significantly reduced in pregnant women, who underwent MRI after inconclusive transabdominal US.

Intraoperative testing of colorectal anastomosis and the incidence of anastomotic leak: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

AL remains one of the most threatening complications in colorectal surgery. Significant efforts are put to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the development of leakage and to create the strategies to prevent it. We aimed to determine whether intraoperative testing of mechanical integrity and perfusion of colorectal anastomosis could reduce the incidence of AL.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of papers published before November 2019 on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases and comparing intraoperative testing of the colorectal anastomosis with standard care were conducted. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CIs) were used to assess the association between intraoperative testing and AL.

RESULTS

A total of 23 studies totaling 7115 patients were included. Pooled analysis revealed intraoperative tests, for integrity (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.34-0.82, P < .001) and perfusion (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.22-0.752, P < .001) of the lower gastrointestinal tract anastomoses are associated with significantly lower AL rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative testing for either integrity or perfusion of anastomoses both reduce the AL rate. Studies looking at the combination of these two testing methods of anastomosis, especially intraoperative endoscopy, and indocyanine green fluorescence angiography may be very promising to further reduction of the AL.

Experimental Study of Mechanical Integrity Testing in Stapled Large Bowel: Methylene Blue Leak Test Is Not Inferior to Air Leak Test

Background/Objectives

Anastomotic leakage remains the most devastating postoperative complication in colorectal surgery. The mechanical integrity of the newly formed colorectal anastomosis can be evaluated by visual inspection intraoperatively; both air leak and liquid leak tests are also used to evaluate the integrity of stapled colorectal anastomoses. It is not clear whether double-stapled anastomoses are more prone to leaks than single-stapled anastomoses. The aim of our study was to compare the methylene blue and the air leak test in the experimental setting of single-stapled and double-stapled porcine bowels.

Methods

Twenty-four distal colons were excised from slaughtered pigs without delay. The proximal bowel end was closed with a linear stapler using blue cartridges. The bowels were randomly divided into single-stapled or double-stapled groups. Air leak and methylene blue leak tests were performed. A digital pressure monitor with a gradual pressure increase function was used to both gradually increase pressure within the bowel and to determine the pressure at which the stapler line disintegrated.

Results

Air leakage occurred at a mean pressure of 51.62 (±16.60) mm Hg and methylene blue leakage occurred at 46.54 (±16.78) mm Hg (p = 0.31). The air and methylene blue leaks occurred at comparable pressures in single-stapled bowels and in double-stapled bowels (47.21 [±14.02] mm Hg vs. 50.96 [±19.15] mm Hg, p = 0.6).

Conclusions

The methylene blue solution leak test is not inferior to the air leak test. There is no significant difference in bursting pressure between single-stapled and double-stapled anastomoses.

The Role of Metabolomics in Current Concepts of Organ Preservation

In solid organ transplantation (Tx), both survival rates and quality of life have improved dramatically over the last few decades. Each year, the number of people on the wait list continues to increase, widening the gap between organ supply and demand. Therefore, the use of extended criteria donor grafts is growing, despite higher susceptibility to ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and consecutive inferior Tx outcomes. Thus, tools to characterize organ quality prior to Tx are crucial components for Tx success. Innovative techniques of metabolic profiling revealed key pathways and mechanisms involved in IRI occurring during organ preservation. Although large-scale trials are needed, metabolomics appears to be a promising tool to characterize potential biomarkers, for the assessment of graft quality before Tx and evaluate graft-related outcomes. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the currently available literature on the use of metabolomics in solid organ Tx, with a special focus on metabolic profiling during graft preservation to assess organ quality prior to Tx.

Dietary Glycine Prevents FOLFOX Chemotherapy-Induced Heart Injury: A Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastasis Treatment Model in Rats

Introduction: FOLFOX chemotherapy (CTx) is used for the treatment of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM). Side effects include rare cardiotoxicity, which may limit the application of FOLFOX. Currently, there is no effective strategy to prevent FOLFOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Glycine has been shown to protect livers from CTx-induced injury and oxidative stress, and it reduces platelet aggregation and improves microperfusion. This study tested the hypothesis of glycine being cardioprotective in a rat model of FOLFOX in combination with CRLM. Materials and Methods: The effect of glycine was tested in vitro on human cardiac myocytes (HCMs). To test glycine in vivo Wag/Rij rats with induced CRLM were treated with FOLFOX ±5% dietary glycine. Left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF), myocardial fibrosis, and apoptosis, also heart fatty acid binding protein (h-FABP) and brain natriuretic peptide levels were monitored. PCR analysis for Collagen type I, II, and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in the heart muscle was performed. Results: In vitro glycine had no effect on HCM cell viability. Treatment with FOLFOX resulted in a significant increase of h-FABP levels, increased myocardial fibrosis, and apoptosis as well as increased expression of type I Collagen. Furthermore, FOLFOX caused a decrease of LVEF by 10% (p = 0.028). Dietary glycine prevented FOLFOX-induced myocardial injury by preserving the LVEF and reducing the levels of fibrosis (p = 0.012) and apoptosis (p = 0.015) in vivo. Conclusions: Data presented here demonstrate for the first time that dietary glycine protects the heart against FOLFOX-induced injury during treatment for CRLM.

Risk factors for anastomotic leakage and its impact on long-term survival in left-sided colorectal cancer surgery

Background

Anastomotic leakage (AL) significantly impairs short-term outcomes. The impact on the long-term outcomes remains unclear. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for AL and the impact on long-term survival in patients with left-sided colorectal cancer.

Methods

Nine-hundred patients with left-sided colorectal carcinoma who underwent sigmoid or rectal resection were enrolled in the study. Risk factors for AL after sigmoid or rectal resection were identified, and long-term outcomes of patients with and without AL were compared.

Results

AL rates following sigmoid and rectal resection were 5.1% and 10.7%, respectively. Higher ASA score (III–IV; OR = 10.54, p = 0.007) was associated with AL in patients undergoing sigmoid surgery on multivariable analysis. Male sex (OR = 2.40, p = 0.004), CCI score > 5 (OR = 1.72, p = 0.025), and T3/T4 stage tumors (OR = 2.25, p = 0.017) were risk factors for AL after rectal resection on multivariable analysis. AL impaired disease-free and overall survival in patients undergoing sigmoid (p = 0.009 and p = 0.001) and rectal (p = 0.003 and p = 0.014) surgery.

Conclusion

ASA score of III–IV is an independent risk factor for AL after sigmoid surgery, and male sex, higher CCI score, and advanced T stage are risk factors for AL after rectal surgery. AL impairs the long-term survival in patients undergoing left-sided colorectal surgery.

The role of melatonin in colorectal cancer treatment: a comprehensive review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, known as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths annually. Currently, multimodal treatment strategies, including surgical resection, combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, have been used as conventional treatments in patients with CRC. However, clinical outcome of advanced stage disease remains relatively discouraging, due mainly to appearance of CRC chemoresistance, toxicity, and other detrimental side effects. New strategies to overcome these limitations are essential. During the last decades, melatonin (MLT) has been shown to be a potent antiproliferative, anti-metastatic agent with cytotoxic effects on different types of human malignancies, including CRC. Hence, this comprehensive review compiles the available experimental and clinical data analyzing the effects of MLT treatment in CRC patients and its underlying molecular mechanisms.

Personalized trimodal prehabilitation for gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Surgery is the only potentially curative treatment for gastric cancer, however, it bears a high postoperative morbidity and mortality rate. A recent randomized control trial proposed prehabilitation to reduce the postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Currently, there is a lack of evidence of using prehabilitation for patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric cancer. The aim of our study is to demonstrate that home-based prehabilitation can reduce postoperative morbidity after gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

METHODS

PREFOG is a multi-center, open-label randomized control trial comparing 90-days postoperative morbidity rate after gastrectomy for gastric cancer between patients with or without prehabilitation. One-hundred twenty-eight patients will be randomized into an intervention or control group. The intervention arm will receive trimodal home-based prehabilitation including nutritional, psychological and exercise interventions. Secondary outcomes of the study will include physical and nutritional status, anxiety and depression level, quality of life, postoperative mortality rates and full completion of the oncological treatment as determined by the multidisciplinary tumor board.

DISCUSSION

PREFOG study will show if home-based trimodal prehabilitation is effective to reduce postoperative morbidity after gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Moreover, this study will allow us to determine whether prehabilitation can improve physical fitness and activity levels, nutritional status and quality of life as well as reducing anxiety and depression levels after gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04223401 (First posted: 10 January 2020).

Ischemia and reperfusion injury in uterus transplantation: A comprehensive review

Uterus transplantation (UTx) is the only available treatment for human beings who cannot carry children out to term. However, despite several clinical studies with a very limited number of UTx many issues have to be addressed. Up to date, there is a limited number of successful UTx with livebirth and the majority was achieved with live donors. Wide clinical application is inherently limited by the lack of organs, ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) as well as immunosuppression after UTx. The objective of this comprehensive literature review is to discuss these arising limitations of UTx with main focus on strategies to reduce IRI. This review showed, that usage of immunosuppressants, opioids or supplements, like amino acids, protects uterus from IRI, improving rising level of antioxidants and decreasing level of oxidative stress markers. The available data of experimental and clinical studies was compiled and will be discussed.

Tissue Coagulation in Laser Hemorrhoidoplasty - An Experimental Study

Background

Laser hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP) is a new technique for treatment of hemorrhoids. The exact extent of coagulation is not visible at the time of the procedure. There currently is no experimental or clinical data on the subject.

Objective

To evaluate the length of coagulation defect according to power and activation time of 1470nm diode laser on the perianal tissue model.

Methods

Fresh anorectal tissue of twenty-four pigs was used to produce 54 experimental samples. Each sample was randomly assigned to the laser power of 6, 8 and 10 W and 1, 2 or 3-second pulses. The procedure was performed using Biolitec Ceralas © diode laser with 1.85 mm optical fiber. The fiber was inserted in a manner, similar to intrahemorrhoidal laser application. Samples were evaluated using low-power and high-power light microscopy by a single pathologist. The length of tissue injury was measured on high-magnification microscopy.

Results

The longest tissue injury (mean 3.93 mm) was caused by the longest laser exposure time (3 sec) with no significant difference between laser power used.

Conclusions

8 W 3-second application of the 1470nm diode laser results in coagulation area approximately 4 mm, and further coagulation should be initiated approximately 5 mm from the first one.

Machine Perfusion of Extended Criteria Donor Organs: Immunological Aspects

Due to higher vulnerability and immunogenicity of extended criteria donor (ECD) organs used for organ transplantation (Tx), the discovery of new treatment strategies, involving tissue allorecognition pathways, is important. The implementation of machine perfusion (MP) led to improved estimation of the organ quality and introduced the possibility to achieve graft reconditioning prior to Tx. A significant number of experimental and clinical trials demonstrated increasing support for MP as a promising method of ECD organ preservation compared to classical static cold storage. MP reduced ischemia-reperfusion injury resulting in the protection from inadequate activation of innate immunity. However, there are no general agreements on MP protocols, and clinical application is limited. The objective of this comprehensive review is to summarize literature on immunological effects of MP of ECD organs based on experimental studies and clinical trials.

The problem of colorectal anastomosis safety

INTRODUCTION

Anastomotic leakage (AL) remains one of the most threatening complications in colorectal surgery with the incidence of up to 20%. The aim of the study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of novel - trimodal intraoperative colorectal anastomosis testing technique.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This multi-center prospective cohort pilot study will include patients undergoing colorectal anastomosis formation below 15 cm from the anal verge. Trimodal anastomosis testing will include testing for blood supply by ICG fluorescence trans-abdominally and trans-anally, testing of mechanical integrity of anastomosis by air-leak and methylene blue leak tests and testing for tension. The primary outcome of the study will be AL rate at day 60. The secondary outcomes will include: the frequency of changed location of bowel resection; ileostomy rate; the rate of intraoperative AL; time, taken to perform trimodal anastomosis testing; postoperative morbidity and mortality; quality of life.

DISCUSSION

Trimodal testing of colorectal anastomosis may be a novel and comprehensive way to investigate colorectal anastomosis and to reveal insufficient blood supply and integrity defects intraoperatively. Thus, prevention of these two most common causes of AL may lead to decreased rate of leakage.

STUDY REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov/): NCT03958500, May, 2019.

Gallstone Ileus: Management and Clinical Outcomes

Background: Gallstone or biliary ileus is a late complication of gallstone disease. It accounts for 1%-4% of all bowel obstructions and is more common in elderly patients. The preferred treatment option is to mechanically remove the impacted stones. It is done surgically using open or laparoscopic approach and rarely, when stones are impacted in the colon, endoscopically. In this paper we present five consecutive cases of gallstone ileus and describe possible diagnostic and minimally invasive treatment options. Case presentation: During a five-month period a total of five patients were treated for gallstone ileus. All patients were female and from 48 to 87 years of age. Symptoms were not specific and common for all small bowel obstructions. Upon admission the patients also had unspecific laboratory findings-neutrophilic leukocytosis and various C-reactive protein concentrations, ranging from 8 to 347 mg/L. According to the hospital protocol, all patients initially underwent an abdominal ultrasound, which was inconclusive, and therefore every patient additionally had a CT scan with intravenous contrast. After these two diagnostic modalities one patient still did not have the definitive gallstone ileus diagnosis, as the ectopic stone was not visible. Four patients in our case series were treated using minimally invasive methods: in one case the stone was removed endoscopically, and laparoscopically in the other three. Treatment outcomes were good in four cases as the patients fully recovered, however one patient suffered a massive cerebral infarction after the operation and passed away. Conclusions: Gallstone ileus is a rare and difficult-to-diagnose condition. Management of these patients in every case should be individualized, as there are many options, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. We show that minimally invasive treatment such as colonoscopy or laparoscopy is possible in these cases.

Dietary glycine decreases both tumor volume and vascularization in a combined colorectal liver metastasis and chemotherapy model

Rationale: Chemotherapy (CTx) with FOLFOX is indicated prior to resection of liver metastases; however, its effect is limited due to chemoresistance and its toxicity prevents from aggressive surgery needed in some cases. Hepatoprotective glycine has been shown to have anti-tumorigenic properties in various cancers. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate the effects of glycine combined with FOLFOX on colorectal liver metastases (CRLM).

Methods: The effect of glycine combined with 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin was investigated in vitro on colorectal cancer (CC531). Further, Wag/Rij rats with CRLM were treated with 5% dietary glycine ± FOLFOX. µCT liver scan, anti-Ki67, and anti-CD31 were compared.

Results: Glycine alone and combined with CTx has no effect on both CC531 viability in vitro and tumor proliferation in vivo; however, glycine significantly decreased tumor volume to about 42-35% of controls in vivo (p<0.05) with a 60% decreased tumor microvascular density (MVD) (p=0.004). Further glycine doesn't counteract anti-tumor properties of CTx.

Conclusions: This study nicely demonstrates that glycine inhibits the growth of CRLM and does not decrease CTx effectiveness. Underlying mechanisms most likely include a decreased tumor MVD. Clinical trials are warranted to implement non-toxic hepatoprotective glycine in novel anti-cancer strategies in humans.

Towards a Personalized Approach in Pancreatic Cancer Diagnostics Through Plasma Amino Acid Analysis

BACKGROUND/AIM

Body fluid biomarkers may provide means for early pancreatic cancer diagnosis, patient stratification, application of personalized approaches and, finally, improved outcomes. Amino acids are the most frequently distinguished metabolite class in the metabolomics of pancreatic cancer patients. They have been identified as pre-diagnostic and diagnostic markers and associated with pancreatic cancer risk factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Deep phenotyping and quantitative amino acid analysis were performed in patients scheduled for pancreatic surgery due to pancreatic tumors (n=75).

RESULTS

Significant differences in plasma amino acid concentrations were observed between diagnostic categories (malignant vs. benign lesions and histological cancer types) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma stages. Characteristic patterns of plasma amino acid concentration dynamics according to cancer stage were identified.

CONCLUSION

Standardization of metabolomics methods and deep phenotyping may provide means for improved patient stratification and effective personalized approaches in pancreatic cancer prevention, early diagnosis and treatment.

Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision: Is There a Real Advantage? The Baltic View

Background

The novel surgical procedure transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) has rapidly become an interest of research in order to overcome the shortcomings of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of middle and low rectal cancer. taTME is a new natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery modality combining three rectal surgery techniques.

Methods

A retrospective clinical study was conducted in a single centre for a period of 3 years, and herein we report on our first 25 taTME procedures in patients with middle and lower third rectal adenocarcinoma.

Results

The main demographics were evaluated. The mean age of patients was 64 ± 12 years. There were predominantly males (72%) and 7 female patients (28%) with an average body mass index of 29 ± 4.8 kg/m². High blood pressure, obesity, chronic heart insufficiency, chronic atrial fibrillation, and diabetes mellitus were commonly diagnosed in all patients. A circumferential resection margin >1 mm was achieved in 16% (n = 4), >2 mm in 40% (n = 10), and >3 mm in 44% (n = 11) of operated patients. The average CRM was 1.8 ± 0.9 cm. In 24% of cases, the distance of a tumour from the mesorectal fascia (MRF) was <1 mm; meanwhile, for 76% of patients, the tumour margin was >1 mm from the MRF. Recovery to flatus was 3 ± 1 days. The average length of hospital stay was 11 ± 3 days. The overall postoperative morbidity was 8%, i.e. one (4%) complication classified as Clavien-Dindo degree I and one (4%) major (IIIb) complication. Subsequently, all patients successfully recovered and were discharged from hospital. During the follow-up period no cancer recurrence was observed.

Conclusion

Our results nicely demonstrate that taTME can be safely performed with acceptable perioperative complications in patients with middle or lower third rectal cancer. In addition, the perioperative morbidity is also acceptable. However, taTME remains a technically highly demanding operation but is feasible and safe after the appropriate experience is gained. Nevertheless, larger multi-centre prospective randomised studies are ongoing to confirm the safety and to verify oncological results when compared to laparoscopic rectal surgery.

Plastic Treatment for Giant Pseudocyst after Incisional Hernia Mesh Repair: A Case Report and Comprehensive Literature Review

Giant pseudocyst is a very rare complication after incisional hernia repair with mesh. We present a case of 54-year-old male patient with a giant pseudocyst, which developed after incisional hernia repair with mesh. A patient was discussed during multidisciplinary team meeting and operative treatment was suggested to the patient. Extirpation of the cyst was accomplished. There was observed no defect in the abdominal wall. The patient was discharged on the 7th postoperative day. Ultrasonography two weeks after discharge again showed fluid collection. There were 6 aspirations every week starting from 400 ml serous fluid at the beginning and 60 ml at the end. There were no signs of fluid collection one month after the last aspiration. Surgical plastic treatment of giant pseudocyst after incisional hernia mesh repair is safe and feasible despite its low prevalence.

Impact of Melatonin in Solid Organ Transplantation-Is It Time for Clinical Trials? A Comprehensive Review

Solid organ transplantation is the "gold standard" for patients with end-stage organ disease. However, the supply of donor organs is critical, with an increased organ shortage over the last few years resulting in a significant mortality of patients on waiting lists. New strategies to overcome the shortage of organs are urgently needed. Some experimental studies focus on melatonin to improve the donor pool and to protect the graft; however, current research has not reached the clinical level. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the data available, indicating that clinical evaluation is warranted.

Proteomic Identification of FLT3 and PCBP3 as Potential Prognostic Biomarkers for Pancreatic Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest types of cancer, particularly due to its aggressive course and challenging diagnostics in early-stage disease. The aim of this study was to discover new potential prognostic and diagnostic pancreatic cancer biomarkers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The proteomes of 37 samples from pancreatic cancer, inflammatory or healthy pancreatic tissue derived through in-depth differential proteomic analysis were compared.

RESULTS

A set of candidate proteins as pancreatic cancer-specific diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers were identified. Survival data of patients after two-year follow-up indicated FLT3 and PCBP3 proteins as potential biomarkers for favourable pancreatic cancer prognosis. The levels of PCBP3 correlated with tumour stage and FLT3 levels, were evaluated as independent prognostic marker.

CONCLUSION

FLT3 and PCBP3 represent potential biomarkers for improved individualized pancreatic cancer prognosis. Moreover, FLT3 may play a role in future treatment selection.

Safety of expanded criteria for endoscopic resection of early gastric cancer in a Western cohort

Background

Endoscopic resection is widely accepted treatment option for early gastric cancer if tumors meet the standard or expanded indications. However, the safety of expanded criteria is still under investigation. Furthermore, discussion, if any additional treatment is necessary for patients who underwent endoscopic resection but exceeded expanded criteria, is rising. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of extended indications for endoscopic resection of early gastric cancer in a Western cohort. Also, we aimed to analyze the lymph node metastasis rate in tumors which exceeds the extended criteria.

Methods

Two hundred eighteen patients who underwent surgery for early gastric cancer at National Cancer Institute, Vilnius, Lithuania between 2005 and 2015 were identified from a prospective database. Lymph node status was examined in 197 patients who met or exceeded extended indications for endoscopic resection.

Results

Lymph node metastasis was detected in 1.7% of cancers who met extended indications and in 30.2% of cancers who exceeded expanded indications. Lymphovascular invasion and deeper tumor invasion is associated with lymph node metastasis in cancers exceeding expanded indications.

Conclusions

Expanded criteria for endoscopic resection of early gastric cancer in Western settings is not entirely safe because these tumors carry the risk of lymph node metastasis.

Predictors of postoperative hypocalcemia occurring after a total thyroidectomy: results of prospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Thyroid surgeries are among the most common operations performed in the world. Hypocalcemia following total thyroidectomy is a common complication that is sometimes difficult to correct. The aim of this study is to determine the risk factors for hypocalcemia following total thyroidectomy and their clinical value.

METHODS

From January 2015 through to April 2017, 400 patients were included in this prospective multicenter study. All patients underwent total thyroidectomy due to various thyroid diseases. The following risk factors were analyzed: pre-operative and post-operative biochemical blood parameters, clinical effects and factors related to surgery, the patient, and the disease.

RESULTS

Post-operative hypocalcemia developed in 257 patients (64.2%). Of them, 197 patients (76.7%) were diagnosed with asymptomatic hypocalcemia. Clinical symptoms were present in 60 of the 257 patients with hypocalcemia (23.3%). The statistically significant predictors of hypocalcemia were decreased calcium and ionized calcium pre-operatively (p < 0.001), parathyroid hormone on day one following surgery (p < 0.001), thyrotoxicosis <10 years before surgery (odds ratio 1.65, 95% CI 1.01-2.70, p = 0.046), the number of parathyroid glands found during surgery (odds ratio 0.52, 95% CI 0.38-0.70, p < 0.001), ligation of the trunk of the left inferior thyroid artery (odds ratio 2.04, 95% CI 1.27-3.29, p = 0.003), ligation of the trunk of the right inferior thyroid artery (odds ratio 2.37, 95% CI 1.47-3.81, p < 0.001), and the number of transplanted parathyroid glands (odds ratio 1.87, 95% CI 1.12-2.97, p = 0.015). In the multivariate analysis, age (odds ratio 1.05, 95% CI 1.01-1.09, p = 0.029) and gender (odds ratio 5.94, 95% CI 1.13-31.26, p = 0.035) were statistically significant predictors.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that there is a number of different patient (gender, age, and duration of thyrotoxicosis <10 years before surgery) and surgical (number of parathyroid glands found during surgery, decreased calcium and ionized calcium before surgery, parathyroid hormone on day one following surgery, and ligation of the trunk of the left and right inferior thyroid artery) risk factors predictive of hypocalcemia following total thyroidectomy. Optimization of the surgical technique could possibly prevent the occurrence of hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy in some cases; in other cases, identification of known risk factors post-operatively could permit early detection and effective treatment of these patients.