Calcium management after thyroidectomy: a simple and cost-effective method

Does preoperative calcium and 1, 25 OH vitamin D supplementation impact postoperative hypocalcemia and length of stay following pediatric thyroidectomy?

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether perioperative calcium and 1,25 OH vitamin D supplementation (PCDS) influences the rates of postoperative hypocalcemia and length of stay (LOS) following pediatric thyroidectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective Cohort Review.

SETTING

Tertiary children's hospital.

METHODS

94 patients who underwent completion or total thyroidectomy with or without concomitant neck dissection from 2010 to 2020 at a single institution were included. Patients with pre-existing hypocalcemia or preoperative vitamin D insufficiency were excluded. Rates of postoperative hypocalcemia and LOS were compared for patients receiving PCDS to those receiving no supplementation.

RESULTS

Thirty percent of patients with PCDS had documented postoperative hypocalcemia compared to 64% of patients without PCDS (p = 0.01). Patients with PCDS had a median LOS of 30 h compared to 36 h (p = 0.002). Multivariable analyses confirmed that patients with PCDS had lower odds of postoperative hypocalcemia (OR: 0.32, CI: 0.11, 0.89) and shorter LOS by 17 h (SE: 8, p = 0.04) after adjustment for confounders.

CONCLUSION

PCDS is associated with significantly lower risk of hypocalcemia and shorter LOS. Standardizing preoperative care for pediatric patients undergoing thyroidectomy may decrease variability and improve outcomes following surgery.

Management of Postthyroidectomy Hypoparathyroidism and Its Effect on Hypocalcemia-Related Complications: A Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this Meta-analysis is to evaluate the impact of different treatment strategies for early postoperative hypoparathyroidism on hypocalcemia-related complications and long-term hypoparathyroidism.

DATA SOURCES

Embase.com, MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the top 100 references of Google Scholar were searched to September 20, 2022.

REVIEW METHODS

Articles reporting on adult patients who underwent total thyroidectomy which specified a treatment strategy for postthyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism were included. Random effect models were applied to obtain pooled proportions and 95% confidence intervals. Primary outcome was the occurrence of major hypocalcemia-related complications. Secondary outcome was long-term hypoparathyroidism.

RESULTS

Sixty-six studies comprising 67 treatment protocols and 51,096 patients were included in this Meta-analysis. In 8 protocols (3806 patients), routine calcium and/or active vitamin D medication was given to all patients directly after thyroidectomy. In 49 protocols (44,012 patients), calcium and/or active vitamin D medication was only given to patients with biochemically proven postthyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism. In 10 protocols (3278 patients), calcium and/or active vitamin D supplementation was only initiated in case of clinical symptoms of hypocalcemia. No patient had a major complication due to postoperative hypocalcemia. The pooled proportion of long-term hypoparathyroidism was 2.4% (95% confidence interval, 1.9-3.0). There was no significant difference in the incidence of long-term hypoparathyroidism between the 3 supplementation groups.

CONCLUSIONS

All treatment strategies for postoperative hypocalcemia prevent major complications of hypocalcemia. The early postoperative treatment protocol for postthyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism does not seem to influence recovery of parathyroid function in the long term.

A Parathyroid Hormone-guided Calcium and Calcitriol Supplementation Protocol Reduces Hypocalcemia-related Readmissions Following Total Thyroidectomy

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of a 4 hour postoperative serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) guided calcium and calcitriol supplementation protocol on the incidence of hypocalcemia and hospital readmissions in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy.

METHODS

This was a single institution, retrospective chart review of patients who underwent total thyroidectomy, 148 had been operated on prior to the protocol implementation and 389 after. Hypocalcemia risk was stratified as low (PTH >30 pg/ml), medium (15-30 pg/ml), and high (<15 pg/ml), using serum PTH values obtained 4 hours postoperatively. Hypocalcemia was defined as a total serum calcium level <8 mg/dl. Baseline demographic and operative characteristics, and postoperative outcome were recorded for both groups. Fisher's exact test or Wilcoxon rank sum test were used to compare the characteristics of the two groups. A multivariable logistic regression model was applied to account for potentially confounding variables.

RESULTS

Postoperative hypocalcemia occurred significantly less frequently in the protocol group compared to the preprotocol group (10.3% vs. 20.9%, P=.002). The reduction in hypocalcemia in the protocol group was observed both in patients with (16.3% vs. 25.6%) and without (8.4% vs. 19.3%) cervical lymph node dissection. There was a significantly lower incidence of hospital readmission events in the protocol group compared to the preprotocol group (1.0% vs. 4.7%, P=.013).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to a historical cohort, a PTH-guided protocol for calcium and calcitriol supplementation significantly reduces postoperative hypocalcemia and hospital readmission rates, in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy.

Effectiveness of prophylactic calcium and vitamin D supplementation for preventing post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia: a meta-analysis

Background: Postsurgical hypocalcemia is the most common and troublesome consequence of thyroidectomy. We investigated the potential role of routine calcium or vitamin D supplementation in preventing postsurgical hypocalcemia. Methods: We searched MEDLINE and Embase for English-language publications using the keywords “calcium,” “vitamin D,” and “thyroid cancer.” The primary outcome was any postoperative hypocalcemia, and the secondary outcome was symptomatic hypocalcemia. Results: Four studies that included 381 patients were eligible for this meta-analysis. A random-effects model showed no significant difference in the occurrence of hypocalcemia between calcium/vitamin D treatment and placebo/no treatment. However, the occurrence of symptomatic hypocalcemia was lower in patients with calcium/vitamin D treatment. In the combined results, preoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation were associated with a reduced incidence of symptomatic hypocalcemia. Conclusions: Our findings support the use of preoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation in conjunction with routine postsurgical supplementation for patients after total thyroidectomy.

PTH after Thyroidectomy as a Predictor of Post-Operative Hypocalcemia

Post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia is a frequent complication with significant morbidity, and has been shown to increase hospital stay and readmission rates. The evaluation of serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels after thyroidectomy represents a reliable method to predict post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia, but it remains infrequently used. This retrospective study investigates serum PTH values 3 h after thyroidectomy as a predictor of hypocalcemia. In this study, we enrolled 141 patients aged between 27 and 71 years eligible for total thyroidectomy who presented with multinodular goiter, suspicious nodule on cytological examination, Graves’ disease, or toxic multinodular goiter. Three hours after total thyroidectomy, 53 patients (37.6%) showed a reduction in serum PTH. Of these patients 75.5% developed hypocalcemia by 24 h after surgery and 100% were hypocalcemic after 48 h (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference attributable to the different thyroid diseases, nor to the age of the patients. PTH at 3 h after total thyroidectomy accurately predicts post-operative hypocalcemia. The early detection of patients at risk of developing post-operative hypocalcemia allows for prompt supplementation of calcium and Vitamin D in order to prevent symptoms and allows for a safe and timely discharge.

Phase II randomized study of preoperative calcitriol to prevent hypocalcemia following thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND

A prospective, stratified, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to observe the impact of preoperative calcitriol supplementation on serum calcium levels following total thyroidectomy.

METHODS

Subjects were randomized 1:1 to receive 1 μg calcitriol or placebo for 1 week preceding thyroidectomy. The primary outcome measure was change in serum calcium from baseline to 18 h post-thyroidectomy. Subjects were also assessed for incidence of symptomatic hypocalcemia, length of stay, readmission for hypocalcemia, and intravenous calcium supplementation.

RESULTS

Forty-seven patients underwent thyroidectomy; 23 received preoperative calcitriol supplementation, and 24 received placebo. Repeated measures regression demonstrated no difference in postoperative serum calcium over time (p = 0.22). There were no occurrences of hypocalcemia, intravenous calcium supplementation, or readmission in either group. No difference was observed in length of stay (p = 0.38). One patient in the calcitriol group developed Grade 3 hypercalcemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative calcitriol supplementation had no impact on postoperative serum calcium levels compared to placebo.

Total Thyroidectomy as an Ambulatory Procedure in Community Practice

Objective

Increasingly, total thyroidectomy is offered as an ambulatory procedure. Most of the relevant outcomes research derives from academic centers, but most thyroid surgeries are performed in the community. The goal of this study is to evaluate the safety of total thyroidectomy performed as an ambulatory procedure in a community otolaryngology practice.

Study Design

Retrospective review and national database analysis.

Setting

A single community otolaryngology practice.

Methods

Adult patients undergoing total thyroidectomy by a single otolaryngologist between 2013 and 2019 were divided into 2 cohorts: planned ambulatory and planned admission. Charts were reviewed for demographics and surgical outcomes in the 2 groups. The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project databases for New York and Florida between 2015 and 2016 were also analyzed to compare outcomes of thyroidectomy as an ambulatory surgery between different practice settings.

Results

A total of 99 total thyroidectomies were performed during the study time period; 66 of 99 (67%) were planned as ambulatory procedures and 33 of 99 (33%) were planned admissions. Five of the 66 (8%) planned outpatient surgeries required admission. Complications of vocal fold dysfunction, symptomatic hypocalcemia, and seroma formation were more commonly seen in the inpatient cohort. Only 2 ambulatory patients required admission after discharge. Nationally, odds of complication were higher for ambulatory total thyroidectomy at nonteaching practice sites, which is not duplicated in our study.

Conclusions

Ambulatory total thyroidectomy can be undertaken safely in the community in carefully selected cases.

Role of Ca²⁺ in Inhibiting Ischemia-Induced Apoptosis of Parathyroid Gland Cells in New Zealand White Rabbits

Background

Hypoparathyroidism is a common complication after thyroidectomy. Calcium supplementation can relieve these symptoms, but it is not clear whether it can protect the parathyroid glands. This study aimed to verify whether Ca²⁺ inhibits the apoptosis of parathyroid cells following ischemic injury.

Material/Methods

A rabbit model of parathyroid gland ischemic injury was established. The blood calcium concentrations were measured by colorimetry. The parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The parathyroid tissues were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and the TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Western blotting was used to quantify the levels of the following proteins: caspase-3 and p38 MAP Kinase (p38 MAPK).

Results

This study demonstrates that apoptosis can be a part of the pathological changes associated with parathyroid ischemic injury. Calcium supplementation inhibited the apoptosis of parathyroid cells following ischemic injury. There were no significant differences among the serum calcium levels from the Sham operation (Sham), the Control group (CG), or the Calcium supplementation group (CSG) after 24 h, 72 h, and 168 h of treatment. PTH levels in the CG were significantly higher than in the CSG at 24 h and 72 h after treatments. The apoptosis rate of parathyroid cells from rabbits in the CSG was significantly lower than that of those from rabbits in the CG at 24 h and 72 h after the treatment. Calcium supplementation inhibited p38 MAPK and caspase-3 expression.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that calcium supplementation inhibited the apoptosis of parathyroid cells following ischemic injury.

Evaluation of surgical risk and prognosis between thyroid nodules of size <1 and ≥1 cm

Background

The objective of this study was to evaluate the surgical risk and prognosis between thyroid nodules of size <1 and ≥1 cm and to explore whether it is reasonable generally to ignore the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules and thyroid carcinoma <1 cm in wide areas of China.

Methods

A retrospective observational study included all first-time thyroid surgery patients between January 2005 and December 2016 of the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University. All patients were divided into two groups (group A: <1 cm, group B: ≥1 cm) according to the maximum diameter of the nodules and demographics, surgery procedure, pathology, postoperative complications, morbidity, and mortality were analyzed.

Results

A total of 6,317 patients were reviewed and 3,424 (54.20%) of them were malignant; 2,128 patients in group A and 4,189 in group B. Patients in group A had better pathological diagnosis, inferior extent of lymph node metastasis, less surgical complexity, fewer postoperative complications, and longer disease-free survival (DFS).

Conclusions

Thyroid operations were safer and involved fewer postoperative complications when thyroid nodules were <1 cm and patients who were diagnosed with malignant thyroid disease had superior prognoses. Underdeveloped regions of China should diagnose and treat thyroid nodules <1 cm early.

Morbidity following thyroid surgery: acceptable rates and how to manage complicated patients

PURPOSE

The endocrine surgeon and the endocrinologist should standardize how they deal with patients with an indication for thyroidectomy, as the road to surgery starts well before the operation itself. The patient should be thoroughly informed about where and how surgery will be performed, the postoperative improvements that can be expected, and the possibility and incidence of relevant complications. This short review aims at identifying the most common postoperative issues after thyroidectomy, with the relevant therapeutic suggestions.

METHODS

A revision of studies reporting the morbidity of thyroid surgery, involving the largest numbers of patients.

RESULTS

It has been clearly demonstrated that the outcome of thyroid surgery is significantly better when the procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon. Thus, the number of thyroidectomies performed by a surgeon should drive the endocrinologist when referring a patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the surgeon's experience, thyroidectomy is burdened by a relatively high rate of postoperative issues ranging from less severe ones to others causing significant changes in the patient's quality of life. Minor, non-invalidating symptoms have been described in 40% of patients after thyroidectomy (e.g. hoarseness, mild dysphagia, some degree of voice alteration); however, these symptoms usually resolve within a few months of surgery, with or without early treatment. On the other hand, major postoperative complications are observed in a limited number of patients, but in these cases early diagnosis is important to provide the most appropriate postoperative treatment, and thus hasten full recovery or at least achieve the greatest possible improvement.

Neck Dissection in the Surgical Treatment of Thyroid Cancer

The incidence of thyroid cancer is increasing, largely attributable to overdetection related to prevalent diagnostic and radiologic imaging modalities. Papillary thyroid cancer remains the most common thyroid malignancy. It has a high tendency for regional metastasis to the cervical lymph nodes. The optimal management of the neck in patients with thyroid carcinoma has long been an important topic of debate. This article addresses central and lateral neck dissection, providing a simplified guide to the most up-to-date and evidence-based practices.

Role of oral calcium supplementation alone or with vitamin D in preventing post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Thyroidectomy is the main intervention for thyroid malignancies and some benign thyroid diseases. Its most common complication is hypocalcaemia, which requires oral or intravenous calcium therapy. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of routine calcium supplementation with or without vitamin D in preventing hypocalcaemia post-thyroidectomy.

METHODS

Systematic searches of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were performed. The qualities of the included articles were assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The studies' qualities of outcomes and strengths of evidence were evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. Data analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3, and odds ratio (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed for dichotomous data.

RESULTS

Ten randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. The combined study recruited 1620 patients (343 men and 1277 women) who underwent total thyroidectomy alone or with neck dissection. Calcium supplementation decreased the risk of transient postoperative hypocalcaemia (OR 0.48 [95% CI, 0.31-0.74]; P < .001) but did not decrease the demand for intravenous supplementation or the rate of permanent hypocalcaemia compared to no treatment. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced the rate of transient hypocalcaemia and the demand for intravenous supplementation compared to either no treatment (OR 0.21 [95% CI, 0.11-0.40]; P < .001 and OR 0.26 [95% CI, 0.10-0.69]; P = .007, respectively) or calcium alone (OR 0.39 [95% CI, 0.18-0.84]; P = .02 and OR 0.18 [95% CI, 0.07-0.47]; P < .001, respectively), but did not decrease the rate of permanent hypocalcaemia. GRADE-based confidence was moderate.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative calcium supplementation is effective for preventing post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia. Calcium plus vitamin D was more effective than calcium alone in preventing postoperative hypocalcaemia and decreasing the demand for intravenous calcium supplementation. Further, well-designed RCTs with larger sample sizes are required to validate our findings.

Age-Related Trends of Patients Undergoing Thyroidectomy: Analysis of US Inpatient Data from 2005 to 2013

OBJECTIVES

As the country ages, thyroidectomies can be expected to be performed more frequently among the elderly. In this study, we stratified patients by age to explore demographics and complications of patients undergoing thyroidectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study with a national database.

SETTING

Nationwide Inpatient Sample.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 414,079 thyroidectomy cases from 2005 to 2013 were identified. Complications, outcomes, demographics, length of stay, and hospital charges were evaluated among patients and stratified by age into 4 cohorts: younger (<65 years), advanced age (65-74 years), elderly (75-84 years), and superelderly (≥85 years).

RESULTS

Of 414,079 thyroidectomy cases identified, patients aged <65 years accounted for 75.6% of cases, while those aged 65-74, 75-84, and ≥85 years accounted for 16.3%, 7.2%, and 0.9%, respectively ( P < .001). There was a significant difference in length of stay, total hospital charges, and mortality throughout the different age groups ( P < .001), all trending upward with advancing age. In the aging population, incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, transfusion of erythrocytes, and acute cardiac complications increased with increasing age ( P < .001), while hypoparathyroidism decreased with age ≥65 but ≤85 years ( P < .001). Patients aged ≥75 years had increased odds of mortality as compared with their younger counterparts ( P < .001).

CONCLUSION

This study utilized a national database to describe and elucidate trends in older populations undergoing thyroidectomy. Thyroid-related complications, including blood transfusion and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, increased with increasing patient age. This information will help to guide pre- and postoperative care for aging patients undergoing thyroidectomy.

Utility of Intraoperative Frozen Section in Large Thyroid Nodules

OBJECTIVE

To determine if the routine use of intraoperative frozen section (iFS) results in cost savings among patients with nodules >4 cm with nonmalignant cytology undergoing a thyroid lobectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series with chart review; cost minimization analysis.

SETTING

Single academic center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Records were reviewed on a consecutive sample of 48 patients with thyroid nodules >4 cm and nonmalignant cytology who were undergoing thyroid lobectomy in which iFS was performed between 2010 and 2015. A decision tree model of thyroid lobectomy with iFS was created. Comparative parameters were obtained from the literature. A cost minimization analysis was performed comparing lobectomy with and without iFS and the need for completion thyroidectomy with costs estimated according to 2014 data from Medicare, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Nationwide Inpatient Sample.

RESULTS

The overall malignancy rate was 25%, and 33% of these malignancies were identified intraoperatively. When the malignancy rates obtained from our cohort were applied, performing routine iFS was the less costly scenario, resulting in a savings of $486 per case. When the rate of malignancy identified on iFS was adjusted, obtaining iFS remained the less costly scenario as long as the rate of malignancies identified on iFS exceeded 12%. If patients with follicular lesions on cytology were excluded, 50% of malignancies were identified intraoperatively, resulting in a savings of $768 per case.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with nodules >4 cm who are undergoing a diagnostic lobectomy, the routine use of iFS may result in decreased health care utilization. Additional cost savings could be obtained if iFS is avoided among patients with follicular lesions.

American Thyroid Association Statement on Postoperative Hypoparathyroidism: Diagnosis, Prevention, and Management in Adults

BACKGROUND

Hypoparathyroidism (hypoPT) is the most common complication following bilateral thyroid operations. Thyroid surgeons must employ strategies for minimizing and preventing post-thyroidectomy hypoPT. The objective of this American Thyroid Association Surgical Affairs Committee Statement is to provide an overview of its diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

SUMMARY

HypoPT occurs when a low intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) level is accompanied by hypocalcemia. Risk factors for post-thyroidectomy hypoPT include bilateral thyroid operations, autoimmune thyroid disease, central neck dissection, substernal goiter, surgeon inexperience, and malabsorptive conditions. Medical and surgical strategies to minimize perioperative hypoPT include optimizing vitamin D levels, preserving parathyroid blood supply, and autotransplanting ischemic parathyroid glands. Measurement of intraoperative or early postoperative intact PTH levels following thyroidectomy can help guide patient management. In general, a postoperative PTH level <15 pg/mL indicates increased risk for acute hypoPT. Effective management of mild to moderate potential or actual postoperative hypoPT can be achieved by administering either empiric/prophylactic oral calcium and vitamin D, selective oral calcium, and vitamin D based on rapid postoperative PTH level(s), or serial serum calcium levels as a guide. Monitoring for rebound hypercalcemia is necessary to avoid metabolic and renal complications. For more severe hypocalcemia, inpatient management may be necessary. Permanent hypoPT has long-term consequences for both objective and subjective well-being, and should be prevented whenever possible.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Unplanned Reoperations, Emergency Department Visits and Hospital Readmission After Thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND

Unplanned reoperation, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospital readmission following thyroid operations usually arise due to complications and are a source of frustration for both surgeons and patients. With the aim of providing insight important for the development of patient quality care improvement initiatives, the primary objective of this review was to evaluate the available literature systematically in order to determine the contemporary rates of reoperation, readmission, and ED visits following thyroid operations. A secondary study objective was to determine if there were any practices that showed promise in reducing the occurrence of these undesirable postoperative events.

METHODS

This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting of Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocols. Twenty-two studies were included in the systematic review. Meta-analysis was performed to obtain the weighted-pooled summary estimates of rates of reoperations, ED visits, and unplanned hospital readmission. Jackknife sensitivity analyses were performed for each data set. Finally, in order to detect the risk of publication bias and the small-study effect, funnel plot analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The pooled rate estimate for reoperation was very low (0.6% [confidence interval (CI) 0.3-1.1%]). This was subject to publication bias because smaller studies tended to report lower rates of reoperation. The pooled rate of ED visits was 8.1% [CI 6.5-9.8%], while the pooled rate of hospital readmission from 19 studies was 2.7% [CI 2.1-3.4%]. Neck hematoma was the most common reason for reoperation, while postoperative hypocalcemia was the most common reason for hospital readmission.

CONCLUSIONS

ED visits and hospital readmission after thyroidectomy are common, and there are several practices that can reduce their occurrence. Routine postoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation may reduce rates of postoperative hypocalcemia, and avoiding postoperative hypertension may decrease the risk of neck hematoma development and the need for reoperation. Older age, thyroid cancer, dependent functional status, higher ASA score, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, steroid use, hemodialysis, and recent weight loss increase the risk of hospital readmission after thyroid surgery. By further identifying risk factors for reoperation, ED visits, and readmission, this review may assist practitioners in optimizing perioperative care and therefore reducing patient morbidity and mortality after thyroid operations.

Economic Impact of Frozen Section for Thyroid Nodules with "Suspicious for Malignancy" Cytology

Objective To perform a cost analysis of the routine use of intraoperative frozen section (iFS) among patients undergoing a thyroid lobectomy with "suspicious for malignancy" (SUSP) cytology in the context of the 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines. Study Design Case series with chart review; cost minimization analysis. Setting Academic. Subjects and Methods Records were reviewed for patients with SUSP cytology who underwent thyroid surgery between 2010 and 2015 in which iFS was utilized. The diagnostic test performance of iFS and the frequency of indicated completion/total thyroidectomies based on the 2015 guidelines were calculated. A cost minimization analysis was performed comparing lobectomy, with and without iFS, and the need for completion thyroidectomy according to costs estimated from 2014 data from Medicare, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Results Sixty-five patients met inclusion criteria. The malignancy rate was 61.5%, 45% of which was identified intraoperatively. The specificity and positive predictive value were 100%. The negative predictive value and sensitivity were 83% and 95%, respectively. Completion/total thyroidectomy was indicated for 9% of patients; 83% of these individuals had findings on iFS that would have changed management intraoperatively. Application of the new guidelines would have resulted in a significant reduction in the frequency of conversion to a total thyroidectomy when compared with the actual management (26.1% vs 7.7%, P = .005). Performing routine iFS was the less costly scenario, resulting in a savings of $474 per case. Conclusion For patients with SUSP cytology undergoing lobectomy, routine use of iFS would result in decreased health care utilization.

Use of prophylactic oral calcium after total thyroidectomy: a prospective study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of prophylactic oral calcium after total thyroidectomy in the prevention of symptomatic hypocalcemia, and to develop a rational strategy of oral calcium supplementation following this type of surgery.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Prospective study including 47 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy from January 2007 to February 2012. The patients were allocated to one of the following groups: I (no postoperative calcium) or II (oral calcium 3 g per day). Oral calcium was started at the first postoperative day and administered until the sixth postoperative day. The patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months and evaluated with a minimum of five measurements of ionized calcium: preoperative, 16 hours after surgery, seventh postoperative day, and at postoperative days 90 (PO90) and 180 (PO180). The cohort included three men and 44 women, of whom 24 (51.9%) had benign thyroid disease, and 23 had suspected or confirmed malignant disease.

RESULTS

When compared with Group II, Group I had significantly higher rates of postoperative biochemical hypocalcemia at PO1 and PO180, and of symptomatic hypocalcemia at PO1, PO7, and PO90. Other data were not significantly different between the groups.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that postoperative calcium supplementation effectively prevents symptomatic and biochemical hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy, and can be safely used after this procedure. The presented strategy of oral calcium supplementation may be implemented in a viable manner.

Stratifying the Risk of Developing Clinical Hypocalcemia after Thyroidectomy with Parathyroid Hormone

Objective

To identify the risk of clinical hypocalcemia in the first hours after thyroidectomy.

Study Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Single-institution tertiary hospital in Madrid, Spain.

Subjects and Methods

A total of 123 patients who underwent total or completion thyroidectomy between June 2010 and March 2012 were included. Pre- and postoperative intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels were obtained. Patients remain hospitalized a minimum of 48 hours until blood calcium stabilized. Calcium and/or vitamin D supplements were prescribed only when signs or symptoms of hypocalcemia developed. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was employed to evaluate the postoperative iPTH level and the pre- to postoperative decrease in iPTH levels. Two cutoff values were determined to stratify the risk of developing clinical hypocalcemia into 3 groups.

Results

The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.991 for the postoperative iPTH and 0.998 for the decrease in iPTH. An iPTH decrease of 80% had 100% sensitivity to detect patients who developed clinical hypocalcemia, while a postoperative iPTH <3 pg/mL had 100% specificity. Thus, patients with an iPTH decrease ≤80% are at a very low risk of clinical hypocalcemia, and patients with a postoperative iPTH <3 pg/mL are at a very high risk. Patients with an iPTH decrease >80% and a postoperative iPTH ≥3 pg/mL are at intermediate risk. No significant correlation was found between the time when the sample was obtained and iPTH values.

Conclusion

This study stablishes a very accurate test to stratify the risk of clinical postthyroidectomy hypocalcemia based on pre- and postoperative iPTH levels.

Prophylactic oral calcium supplementation therapy to prevent early post thyroidectomy hypocalcemia and evaluation of postoperative parathyroid hormone levels to detect hypocalcemia: A prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND

Postoperative hypocalcemia is the most common complication after total thyroidectomy. Postoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) measurement is one of the methods to detect or prevent postoperative hypocalcemia. Prophylactic oral calcium supplementation is another method to prevent early postoperative hypocalcemia. The aim of this study is to detect the accurate timing of PTH and evaluate efficacy of routine oral calcium supplementation for postoperative hypocalcemia.

METHODS

A total of 106 patients were performed total thyroidectomy. Rotuine oral calcium supplementation was given to group 1 and no treatment to group 2 according to randomization. Serum calcium and PTH level of patients in group 2 at postoperative 6, 12 and 24 h and patients in both groups at postoperative day 7 were evaluated. Patients were compared according to age, sex, operation findings, serum calcium and PTH levels and symptomatic hypocalcemia.

RESULTS

Half of the patients (50%) were in group 1. Most of the patients were female (83%). The most common etiology of thyroid disease was multinodular goiter (64.1%). Oral calcium supplementation was given to 18 (33.9%) patients in group 2. Symptomatic hypocalcemia for group 1 and 2 was found to be 1.9 and 33.9% respectively (p < 0.05). No statistical difference can be observed regarding the timing of serum biomarkers.

CONCLUSION

Serum PTH levels at postoperative 12 and 24 h can predict early post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia. Prophylactic oral calcium supplementation therapy can prevent early post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia with advantages of being cost effective and safe.

Total thyroidectomy as primary surgical management for thyroid disease: surgical therapy experience from 5559 thyroidectomies in a less-developed region

Background

The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety of total thyroidectomy for thyroid disorders and summarise the treatment experience in a less-developed region.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational cohort study using the computerised database of the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University. All consecutive thyroidectomy patients from 2003 to 2014 were included in this study. Demographics, surgical procedure, diagnoses, morbidity and mortality were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

There were a total of 714 men and 4845 women in this study, with a mean age of 55 (range 9–87) years. A total of 4632 patients underwent total thyroidectomy for primary surgical treatment, and 189 patients previously underwent partial thyroidectomy. A total of 56.2 % of the patients had multinodular goitre, including 12.23 % who were thyrotoxic. Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s disease were diagnosed in 2.82 and 7.23 % of the patients, respectively. Papillary thyroid cancer was identified in 1336 patients, 44.99 % of whom had papillary microcarcinoma. The total prevalence of permanent complications of first-time and secondary surgeries was 0.35 and 7.41 %, respectively. During thyroid surgery, 945 patients underwent parathyroid autotransplantation.

Conclusions

Initial total thyroidectomy can be safely performed for both benign and malignant thyroid diseases in a less-developed region. The morbidity of a secondary surgical procedure after subtotal thyroidectomy is significantly high compared to first-time surgery.

Outpatient thyroid surgery: Safety of an optimized protocol in more than 1,000 patients

OBJECTIVES

Outpatient thyroid surgery is becoming increasingly common. The aim of this study was to clarify the principles for safe outpatient thyroid surgery and review our outcomes with the use of a protocol for outpatient thyroidectomy in a large patient cohort.

STUDY DESIGN

A systematic analysis of a prospectively maintained database of outcomes of thyroidectomy in a tertiary endocrine surgery practice.

SETTING

Academic medical center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A protocol for outpatient thyroidectomy was conceived and refined over 3 years. A prospective analysis of all thyroidectomies accomplished by a single surgeon who used this protocol from May 2006 to November 2013 was then undertaken. Patient demographics, operative and pathologic data, admission status, complications, and readmission rates were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 1,311 thyroidectomy procedures were performed during the study period, of which 1,026 (78.3 %) were conducted on an outpatient basis. The readmission rate for outpatients was 0.9%, with only 1 readmission in the last 200 procedures. Inpatients (which included patients in the 23-hour "observation" category) were readmitted more often than outpatients (3.5% vs 0.9%, P < .01). Outpatient management increased steadily throughout the study period (from 59.7% to 92.3%, P < .01), despite a larger mean nodule size and a greater rate of malignancy over time. There were no changes in the complication rate across the study timeframe except for the incidence of temporary hypocalcemia, which decreased over time (P < .01).

CONCLUSION

Outpatient thyroid surgery is safe in appropriately selected patients using an optimized and systematic protocol.

Thyroid surgery as a 23-hour stay procedure

INTRODUCTION

The main barriers to short stay thyroidectomy are haemorrhage, bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy causing respiratory compromise and hypocalcaemia. This study assessed the safety and effectiveness of thyroidectomy as a 23-hour stay procedure.

METHODS

All patients undergoing total or completion thyroidectomy were prescribed calcium and vitamin D3 supplements following surgery. Retrospective analysis identified patients admitted for longer than 23 hours and any readmissions.

RESULTS

A total of 164 patients were admitted for 23-hour stay thyroid surgery over a 25-month period between 2008 and 2010. Four patients (2%) required admission for longer than 23 hours. No patients required emergency intervention for postoperative haemorrhage or airway compromise. Biochemical hypocalcaemia (despite calcium supplements) was detected in one patient when measured at the outpatient clinic two weeks following surgery. Twelve patients (7.3%) attended the accident and emergency department following discharge; four required admission for intravenous antibiotics for wound infection and one for biochemical hypocalcaemia.

CONCLUSIONS

This single centre UK experience demonstrates that thyroidectomy can be carried out both safely and effectively as a 23-hour stay procedure. Prophylactic prescription of calcium and vitamin D3 reduces hypocalcaemia, and thereby also prolonged admission and readmission due to hypocalcaemia. Supplements are an acceptable, cost effective method of reducing hypocalcaemia and shortening postoperative length of stay.

Role of postoperative vitamin D and/or calcium routine supplementation in preventing hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Transient hypocalcemia is a frequent complication after total thyroidectomy. Routine postoperative administration of vitamin D and calcium can reduce the incidence of symptomatic postoperative hypocalcemia. We performed a systematic review to assess the effectiveness of this intervention. The primary aim was to evaluate the efficacy of routine postoperative oral calcium and vitamin D supplementation in preventing symptomatic post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia. The second aim was to draw clear guidelines regarding prophylactic calcium and/or vitamin D therapy for patients after thyroidectomy.

METHODS

We identified randomized controlled trials comparing the administration of vitamin D or its metabolites to calcium or no treatment in adult patients after thyroidectomy. The search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Google Scholar, and Web of Knowledge databases. Patients with a history of previous neck surgery, calcium supplementation, or renal impairment were excluded.

RESULTS

Nine studies with 2,285 patients were included: 22 in the vitamin D group, 580 in the calcium group, 792 in the vitamin D and calcium group, and 891 in the no intervention group, with symptomatic hypocalcemia incidences of 4.6%, 14%, 14%, and 20.5%, respectively. Subcomparisons demonstrated that the incidences of postoperative hypocalcemia were 10.1% versus 18.8% for calcium versus no intervention and 6.8% versus 25.9% for vitamin D and calcium versus no intervention. The studies showed a significant range of variability in patients' characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant decrease in postoperative hypocalcemia was identified in patients who received routine supplementation of oral calcium or vitamin D. The incidence decreased even more with the combined administration of both supplements. Based on this analysis, we recommend oral calcium for all patients following thyroidectomy, with the addition of vitamin D for high-risk individuals.