Autotransplantation of at least one parathyroid gland during thyroidectomy in benign thyroid disease minimizes the risk of permanent hypoparathyroidism

OBJECTIVE:Permanent hypoparathyroidism is a distressing complication of thyroid surgery. The reported incidence varies between 0.4 and 13.8 % and is directly correlated to the extent of thyroidectomy. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze whether simultaneous autotransplantation of at least one parathyroid gland during total thyroidectomy for benign thyroid disease could reduce the risk of permanent hypoparathyroidism. METHODS: Since 01/1999 all thyroid operations are prospectively recorded. Beside daily postoperative measurement of serum calcium level, iPTH is routinely determined on the third post op day. Patients with complications are followed closely. Postoperative hypoparathyroidism persisting for more than 6 months is defined permanent. RESULTS: Between 01/1999 and 02/2001 146 total thyroidectomies for benign thyroid disease have been performed (81 pat. with Graves disease, 62 with nodular goiter, 3 with thyroiditis de Quervain/Hashimoto). In 37 pat. (25 %) at least one parathyroid gland was simultaneously autotransplanted into the ipsilateral sternocleidomastoid muscle. Group I (no parathyroid autotransplantation, n = 109) and group II (parathyroid autotransplantation, n = 37) were comparable concerning patient age, thyroid disease and lowest post op calcium level (2.07 versus 2.05 mmol/l). The incidence of postoperative symptomatic hypocalcemia (14.7 % versus 21.6 %) and temporary hypoparathyroidism (15.6 % versus 18.9 %) was higher in group II patients (n. s.). Conversely, permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred exclusively in group I patients (2.75 %), patients with parathyroid autotransplantation (group II) did not develop this complication. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous autotransplantation of at least one parathyroid gland during total thyroidectomy for benign thyroid disease seems to minimize the risk of permanent hypoparathyroidism. The potential of routine autotransplantation in this setting has to be evaluated. The incidence of postoperative temporary hypocalcemia may be elevated with this policy.     

Routine parathyroid autotransplantation during thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND: Parathyroid autotransplantation (PTHAT) during thyroidectomy has been shown to reduce the incidence of permanent hypoparathyroidism. Although selective PTHAT is most commonly adopted, the value of routine PTHAT has not been well documented. METHODS: From January, 1998 to March, 1999, an operative strategy incorporating routine autotransplantation of at least 1 parathyroid gland was used during thyroidectomy. The postoperative outcome of patients (n = 118) was evaluated and compared with patients (n = 271) operated during a policy of selective PTHAT (January, 1995 to October, 1997). RESULTS: Two or more parathyroid glands were autotransplanted in 26 patients (22%) while 92 patients (78%) received autotransplantation of 1 parathyroid gland. Postoperative hypocalcemia occurred in 29 patients (25%) and 2 patients (1.7%) had permanent hypocalcemia develop. When a policy of selective PTHAT was adopted, 98 patients (36%) underwent PTHAT, and 5 patients developed permanent hypocalcemia (1.8%). The incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia was higher in patients who underwent routine PTHAT (25%) compared with that in patients who underwent selective PTHAT (15%) (P =.014). In addition, the operating time was significantly longer when routine PTHAT was adopted (153 minutes vs 130 minutes; P <.001). CONCLUSIONS: A low incidence of permanent hypoparathyroidism can be achieved by either routine or selective PTHAT during thyroidectomy but routine PTHAT is associated with a high incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia.     

Parathyroid autotransplantation during thyroidectomy: is frozen section necessary?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of parathyroid gland identification and the need for routine frozen section examination before parathyroid autotransplantation during thyroidectomy. DESIGN: A prospective case series. SETTING: An endocrine surgical unit. PATIENTS: From January 1, 1995, to December 31, 1997, parathyroid autotransplantation was attempted for devascularized or inadvertently removed glands in 152 (33.7%) of 450 patients during thyroidectomy. Before autotransplantation, a biopsy specimen of the transplanted tissue was sent for histological examination without frozen section confirmation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Positive identification of parathyroid tissue in microscopic examination. RESULTS: Of 179 attempted autotransplantations of parathyroid glands, parathyroid tissue was confirmed in 167 biopsy specimens (93.3%). Incorrect identification of parathyroid gland occurred in 12 instances. The tissue mistaken as parathyroid gland included fat in 6 cases, thyroid tissue in 4 cases, lymph node in 1 case, and thymus in 1 case. Transplantation of at least 1 parathyroid gland (range, 1-3) was confirmed in 144 patients. For patients with confirmed parathyroid autotransplantation at risk of hypoparathyroidism (n = 112), postoperative transient hypocalcemia occurred in 22 (19.6%), while no patient developed any permanent hypocalcemia during a median follow-up of 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Devascularized or inadvertently removed parathyroid glands can be identified expeditiously without routine frozen section during thyroid surgery. Immediate autotransplantation should be performed and permanent hypoparathyroidism can be avoided with this measure.     

Dysfunction of calcium metabolism following resection of the thyroid gland. An analysis of important risk factors

PURPOSE: Dysfunction of the parathyroid glands is a typical complication following thyroid surgery. Risk factors for the development of postoperative symptomatic hypocalcemia were retrospectively analyzed. METHODS: 308 consecutive thyroid resections (women n = 236, men n = 72, mean age 53 years) performed in 1996 and 1997 were evaluated. Main diagnosis was non-toxic nodular goiter (n = 234, 76 %), 28 patients (9 %) had thyroid carcinoma. The most common operation performed was bilateral functional thyroid resection (n = 116, 38 %), the proportion of thyroidectomies was 14 % (n = 44). The patients with postoperative symptomatic hypocalcemia were followed for a median of 32 months. RESULTS: Clinical symptoms of hypocalcemia were observed in 18 patients (6 %) postoperatively. Three patients developed transient (n = 1) or permanent hypothyroidism (n = 2). In univariate analysis, the underlying thyroid disease, the method of operative therapy, removal, identification and autotransplantation of parathyroid glands, in multivariate analysis, thyroidectomy (relative risk 6.9) and removal of parathyroid glands (relative risk 23.9) were proved to be significant risk factors for the development of postoperative symptomatic hypocalcemia (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with thyroidectomy, operation for thyroid carcinoma and intraoperative removal of parathyroid glands should be closely followed for postoperative hypocalcemia. Exact surgical technique provided, permanent hypoparathyroidism is rare, particularly if several parathyroid glands were identified intraoperatively and autotransplanted, if necessary.     

Identification of Patients at Low Risk for Thyroidectomy-Related Hypocalcemia by Intraoperative Quick PTH

Background Transient hypoparathyroidism is a frequent and challenging complication following total thyroidectomy. The aim of the study was to identify patients at risk of developing thyroidectomy-related hypocalcemia and symptoms by means of the intraoperative quick parathyroid hormone (PTH) assay. Methods Eighty-one patients undergoing total thyroidectomy were included in the study. Quick PTH levels were measured at induction of anaesthesia and 10 minutes after total thyroidectomy. A sample of 10 patients who underwent unilateral thyroid lobectomy was considered as a control group. The accuracy of intraoperative PTH decline in predicting postoperative hypoparathyroidism was analysed. Results After total thyroidectomy, 27 patients (33.3%) developed postoperative hypocalcemia. Symptoms were reported by 21 patients (25.9%). The mean percentage decline of intraoperative quick PTH was 81% in hypocalcemic compared with 39% in normocalcemic patients (P < 0.001), and it was 83% in symptomatic compared with 42% in asymptomatic patients (P < 0.001). Mean proportion decline of quick PTH after unilateral lobectomy was 20%, significantly lower than the 53% registered after total thyroidectomy (P = 0.005). Analysis of variation of intraoperative quick PTH with the receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve showed a 75.7% decline as the cut-off value predicting postoperative hypocalcemia with the highest accuracy (91.4%) (sensitivity: 81.5% specificity: 96.3% positive likelihood ratio: 22; negative likelihood ratio: 0.2). Regarding the prediction of postoperative symptoms, a 79.5% decline was the most accurate (92.6%) cut-off point (sensitivity: 76.2% specificity: 98.3% positive likelihood ratio: 46; negative likelihood ratio: 0.2). Conclusions Quick PTH monitoring during total thyroidectomy is a useful means for identifying low-risk patients for postoperative hypoparathyroidism and candidates for early, safe discharge. Furthermore, it is an objective method complementary to the surgeon’s judgement of the intraoperative function of parathyroid glands, which should be implanted in the event of a 75%–80% decline.     

Transient hypoparathyroidism following thyroidectomy: a prospective study and multivariate analysis of 604 consecutive patients.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for postoperative transient hypoparathyroidism in a group of patients undergoing thyroid surgery. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study was conducted on 604 patients undergoing thyroid surgery. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Gender, final diagnosis, extent of resection, biology of pathology, intrathoracic involvement, surgery for recurrent multinodular goiter, and presence and number of parathyroid glands in a surgical specimen were analyzed as risk factors for postoperative transient hypoparathyroidism. The chi-square test and a logistic regression analysis were applied. RESULTS: On logistic regression analysis, only the extent of surgery constituted an independent variable for transient hypoparathyroidism (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The extent of surgery to central and/or lateral neck lymph nodes is responsible for a high rate of transient hypoparathyroidism owing to a high probability of unplanned parathyroidectomy or parathyroid gland devascularization.     

分化型甲状腺癌术后131I治疗对甲状旁腺辐射损伤作用

目的:探讨分化型甲状腺癌术后~(131)I治疗对甲状旁腺的直接辐射损伤作用及其对甲状旁腺功能的影响,以及~(131)I的治疗时机。方法:回顾性分析2013年1月―2015年2月在甲状腺外科第一次行~(131)I清甲治疗的281例甲状腺乳头状癌患者的临床资料。依据~(131)I治疗前甲状旁腺激素水平分为甲状旁腺功能正常者238例和甲状旁腺功能轻度低下者43例。检测并分析患者术后第1、6天与~(131)I治疗前、~(131)I治疗后1周、3个月的血清钙水平和血清甲状旁腺激素水平。结果:所有患者~(131)I治疗前均无低钙血症的临床表现。术后甲状旁腺功能正常患者不同时间点的血清钙水平整体差异有统计学意义(F=6.912,P0.05),术后第1天血清钙水平最低(P0.05),其余4次时间点间血清钙水平差异无统计学意义(P0.05);不同时间点甲状旁腺激素水平整体差异有统计学意义(F=16.808,P0.05),术后第1天水平最低,~(131)I治疗前升高,~(131)I治疗后1周再次下降,~(131)I治疗后3个月再次升高。术后甲状旁腺功能轻度低下患者~(131)I治疗后于平均术后第7.5天出现不同程度的低钙血症;不同时间点的血清钙水平整体差异有统计学意义(F=37.710,P0.05),术后第1天和~(131)I治疗1周后血清钙水平最低;不同时间甲状旁腺激素水平整体差异有统计学意义(F=29.082,P0.05),术后第1天水平最低,~(131)I治疗前升高,~(131)I治疗后1周再次下降,且接近术后第1天水平(P0.05),~(131)I治疗后3个月再次升高,且均值达到正常值范围。结论:~(131)I清甲治疗对甲状旁腺存在直接辐射损伤,可引起甲状旁腺功能减退,加重甲状旁腺功能低下。分化型甲状腺癌术后若合并甲状旁腺功能低下,建议等到甲状旁腺激素完全恢复正常后再行~(131)I清甲治疗。     

Applicability of Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone Assay During Total Thyroidectomy as a Guide for the Surgeon to Selective Parathyroid Tissue Autotransplantation

Background Intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay (IOPTH) has been suggested to have value in predicting the development of postoperative hypoparathyroidism after thyroid surgery. IOPTH has been validated in identification of patients at risk of postoperative hypocalcemia requiring early onset of calcium supplementation therapy and in improving selection of patients eligible for a safe early discharge. However, the value of IOPTH has not been assessed in a randomized study as a guide for the surgeon to parathyroid tissue autotransplantation (PA). The objective of this study was to evaluate the applicability of IOPTH in guiding the surgeon to selective parathyroid tissue autotransplantation during total thyroidectomy (TT). Methods Between January 2005 and December 2005, 340 patients qualified for total thyroidectomy (TT) who met the inclusion criteria were randomized to two equal-sized groups (n = 170): group A, in which elective PA of at least one parathyroid gland was performed in all cases without IOPTH as a guide; and group B, in which selective IOPTH-guided PA was performed, if only the iPTH plasma level was <10 ng/L at 10–20 min after TT (before skin closure). The standard technique of PA consisting of implanting the parathyroid tissue into 10–20 sternocleidomastoid muscle pockets was used in both groups. IOPTH measurements were performed by the STAT-Intraoperative-iPTH-Assay. Serum calcium was routinely monitored at 4, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hr postoperatively. The incidence and severity of hypocalcemia and related symptoms were matched with the IOPTH results. On follow-up, serum calcium and plasma iPTH values were measured at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. The primary end point was the success rate in preventing permanent postoperative hypoparathyroidism. The secondary end point was the use of postoperative medication for transient hypocalcemic symptoms. Results Twenty-one group B patients (12.3%) had plasma iPTH levels <10 ng/L at 10–20 min after TT (before skin closure) and they underwent selective IOPTH-guided PA. None of the patients from both groups experienced permanent postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Transient postoperative hypocalcemia occurred in 22.3% vs. 11.2% of patients (group A vs. B, respectively; p < 0.05). The mean cumulated serum calcium values were significantly lower for group A vs. group B patients within the entire 3-month period after TT (2.12 ± 0.09 mmol/L vs. 2.27 ± 0.05 mmol/L, respectively; p < 0.001). The mean oral calcium supplementation was significantly higher for group A vs. group B patients during the 3 months after TT (2.7 ± 0.9 g/day vs. 0.9 ± 0.4 g/day, respectively; p < 0.001). Conclusions IOPTH offers valuable information during TT, correctly identifying patients at risk of postoperative hypocalcemia. Selective IOPTH-guided PA in patients with plasma iPTH levels <10 ng/L at 10–20 min after TT reduces the risk of permanent postoperative hypoparathyroidism to zero, and this approach seems to be as effective as elective PA of at least one parathyroid gland without IOPTH guidance. Moreover, selective IOPTH-guided PA significantly decreases the incidence of transient postoperative hypoparathyroidism and the need for calcium supplementation therapy compared with elective PA without IOPTH. Presented at the 42^nd World Congress of Surgery, Montreal, Canada, August 26 to 30, 2007.     

Low parathyroid hormone levels after thyroid surgery: a feasible predictor of hypocalcemia

BACKGROUND: Selecting patients with a low risk of hypocalcemia is mandatory if patients are to be discharged on the first day after bilateral thyroidectomy. This study investigated the predictive value of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH). METHODS: Thirty-eight patients underwent total or near-total thyroidectomy. Patients with or without biochemical and symptomatic hypocalcemia were compared regarding intraoperative PTH levels and previously suggested risk factors. The accuracy of intraoperative PTH to predict patients at risk for postoperative hypocalcemia was compared with a calcium concentration of less than 2.00 mmol/L (8.0 mg/dL) on the first postoperative day. RESULTS: PTH levels after resection of the second lobe, age, and number of parathyroid glands identified intraoperatively were independently associated with the reduction in serum calcium concentration measured at nadir on the first or second postoperative day. PTH levels after resection of the second lobe were lower among patients who developed biochemical (P <.001) and symptomatic hypocalcemia (P <.01) compared with those who did not. Low levels of intraoperative PTH identified the 3 patients who required intravenous calcium during the first 24 postoperative hours. An intraoperative PTH level below reference range and a calcium concentration of less than 2.00 mmol/L measured 1 day postoperatively both predicted biochemical hypocalcemia with a similar sensitivity (90% vs 90%) and specificity (75% vs 82%). Intraoperative PTH was slightly better than a serum calcium concentration of less than 2.00 mmol/L on postoperative day 1 to predict symptomatic hypocalcemia, with a sensitivity of 71% vs 52% and a specificity of 81% vs 76%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Parathyroid gland insufficiency is the main determinant of transient hypocalcemia after bilateral thyroid surgery. Low intraoperative PTH levels during thyroid surgery are therefore a feasible predictor of postoperative hypocalcemia.     

甲状腺癌根治术致甲状旁腺功能减退的危险因素及预防

目的:探讨甲状腺癌根治术中可能导致甲状旁腺功能减退的危险因素及预防措施。方法:回顾性分析首都医科大学附属北京同仁医院普通外科2014年全年由同一外科医师实施的75例甲状腺癌手术的临床资料。结果:全组术后发生甲状旁腺功能减退20例(26.67%),其中暂时性甲状旁腺功能减退19例(25.33%),永久性甲状旁腺功能减退1例(1.33%)。甲状腺全切术患者甲状旁腺功能减退发生率明显高于甲状腺近全切除术患者(46.88%vs.11.63%,P0.05);行VI区淋巴结清扫患者甲状旁腺功能减退发生率明显高于未行VI区淋巴结清扫患者(45.71%vs.10.00%,P0.05);同时行自体甲状旁腺移植术患者甲状旁腺功能减退发生率高于未行甲状旁腺移植患者,但差异无统计学意义(50.00%vs.22.22%,P0.05)。结论:甲状腺全切和Ⅵ区淋巴结清扫是导致甲状旁腺功能减退的危险因素。术中精细解剖甲状腺后被膜,尤其是尽可能保留下甲状旁腺血运,术后应用预防性药物可能有助于甲状旁腺功能的保护。     

Hypomagnesemia and Hypocalcemia after Thyroidectomy: Prospective Study

Hypomagnesemia after total thyroidectomy has not been studied extensively. Our anecdotal experience suggests that it may be important in some patients after thyroid excision. The hypomagnesemic hypocalcemic syndrome has been described in other disease states in which a state of functional hypoparathyroidism exists. This study was designed to determine the incidence of hypomagnesemia after total thyroidectomy and relate it to hypocalcemia and symptoms during the postoperative period. A prospective study of all patients undergoing total thyroidectomy between September 1994 and July 1996 was performed. Patient data, thyroid function, retrosternal extension, initial versus reoperative surgery, operative details, parathyroid resection, and pathology were recorded. Calcium, magnesium, electrolytes, blood count, liver function tests, and albumin were measured prior to surgery and twice daily during the postoperative period. Fifty patients underwent total thyroidectomy: 68% were hypocalcemic, 72% were hypomagnesemic, and 36% were symptomatic during the postoperative period. Hypomagnesemia and gender were associated with hypocalcemia. Volume of fluid and neck dissection were associated with low magnesium levels. Hypomagnesemia and parathyroid resection were risk factors for symptoms after thyroidectomy. No patients developed permanent hypoparathyroidism. Transient hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia occur frequently after total thyroidectomy. The etiology of this phenomenon is probably multifactorial. Patients are more likely to be symptomatic when both cations are low, and attempting to correct only hypocalcemia may prolong symptoms. It is important to monitor both calcium and magnesium levels after total thyroidectomy and to correct deficiencies to facilitate prompt resolution of symptoms.     

纳米碳示踪剂在甲状腺微小乳头状癌手术中的应用

目的探讨纳米碳淋巴示踪剂在甲状腺微小乳头状癌中央区淋巴结清扫术中的应用价值。方法自2015年1月至2016年7月收治的40例单侧甲状腺微小乳头状癌患者被随机纳入对照组(20例)和纳米碳组(20例)。纳米碳组在患侧腺叶切除前给予纳米碳标记,手术均按患侧腺叶+峡部切除+患侧中央区淋巴结清扫术进行,由同一手术组医生完成。比较两组手术时间、术中出血量、术后引流液量,统计中央区淋巴结获取数目,误切甲状旁腺例数,术后低血钙发生率,喉返神经损伤率。计量资料采用(x珋±s)表示,采取t检验;术后并发症发生率采用百分率表示,结果采取χ2检验,数据分析采用SPSS 19.0软件。当P0.05时认为结果具有统计学差异。结果在手术时间、术中出血量、术后引流液量方面,两组比较差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。纳米碳组术后中央区淋巴结获取数目显著多于对照组[(8±1.5)枚比(4±0.9)枚],P0.05;误切甲状旁腺对照组5例(25%),纳米碳0例(0)。两组均无永久性喉返神经损伤及低钙血症发生,一过性低钙血症对照组3例(15%),纳米碳组0例(0)(P0.05)。结论通过纳米碳混悬液进行术中淋巴结染色,可以显著增加中央区淋巴结清扫数目,并有助于辨认和保护甲状旁腺,降低淋巴结清扫可能带来的甲状旁腺误切除和术后低血钙发生。     

Potential role for intraoperative gamma probe identification of normal parathyroid glands

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing central neck surgery are at risk for hypoparathyroidism. We hypothesized that gamma probe identification of sestamibi-labeled parathyroid glands might help maximize parathyroid preservation. METHODS: Records of 351 patients who underwent central neck surgery were reviewed. A subgroup of patients underwent sestamibi injection followed by gamma probe-directed parathyroid gland identification. RESULTS: Operation was performed for malignancy in 73% of patients and represented a reoperation in 34%. Persistent hypoparathyroidism was more common in patients who underwent reoperation versus a primary operation (6.8% versus 1.7%; P = 0.02). Thirteen patients underwent gamma probe-directed identification of sestamibi-labeled parathyroid glands; in 6 of these patients, sestamibi-labeled parathyroid glands were salvaged from the resected specimens and autografted. None of these 13 patients developed persistent hypoparathyroidism. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing reoperative central neck surgery are at increased risk for postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Gamma probe-directed salvage of sestamibi-labeled parathyroid glands may help maximize parathyroid preservation, especially in complex or reoperative central neck surgery.     

Dunhill手术治疗双侧结节性甲状腺肿的临床疗效分析

目的:探讨Dunhill手术(一侧甲状腺全切加对侧次全切除术)治疗双侧结节性甲状腺肿的临床效果。方法:收集哈尔滨医科大学附属第四医院2011年1月—2017年1月间开展的58例Dunhill手术与60例双侧甲状腺次全切除术的患者临床资料进行回顾性分析,所有患者术中病理均证实为双侧结节性甲状腺肿。结果:两组患者术前一般资料均无统计学差异(均P0.05)。与双侧次全切除术组比较,Dunhill手术组的平均手术时间明显延长(95.41minvs.52.48min,P=0.000),术后第1天低血钙发生率明显升高(12.1%vs.1.7%,P=0.031),两组术中出血量、甲状旁腺移植例数、喉返神经损伤发生率、术后第3天低钙血症发生率、甲状旁腺功能低下发生率均无统计学差异(P=1.000)。随访期间,Dunhill手术组患者复发率明显低于双侧甲状腺次全切除术组患者(P=0.027)。结论:Dunhill手术治疗双侧结节性甲状腺肿安全、有效,且能有效降低术后复发,推荐其临床应用。     

Accuracy of PTH assay and corrected calcium in early prediction of hypoparathyroidism after thyroid surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of the intraoperative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) and 6-hour PTH (6hPTH) assay in predicting transient hypoparathyroidism after thyroidectomy. STUDY DESIGN: A nonrandomized prospective study was conducted on patients undergoing thyroid surgery. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Of 138 patients undergoing thyroid surgery, intraoperative PTH was measured 10 minutes after gland removal. Serum calcium, magnesium, inorganic phosphorus, albumin, and PTH levels were assayed 6 and 16 hours after surgery and daily until patient discharge. RESULTS: The development of postoperative hypocalcemia was associated with low ioPTH (P < 0.0001) and 6hPTH (P < 0.0001) values, and the decline of PTH from baseline (P < 0.0001). The cutoff for percentage decline of ioPTH and 6hPTH (55.7% and 379%, respectively) was more accurate than an absolute value. Accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values were 88 percent, 63 percent, and 100 percent for ioPTH and 75 percent, 46 percent, and 100 percent for 6hPTH, respectively. CONCLUSION: With the use of ioPTH decline in association with 16-hour corrected calcium, it is possible to distinguish early normocalcemic patients from hypocalcemic ones in most cases.     

Intraoperative parathyroid hormone levels in thyroid surgery are predictive of postoperative hypoparathyroidism and need for vitamin D supplementation

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) levels are not monitored routinely in thyroid surgery, although they are used widely during parathyroidectomy as an indicator of parathyroid gland function. This prospective study evaluated the occurrence of hypoparathyroidism after thyroid surgery and the use of ioPTH levels to predict the need for postoperative vitamin D supplementation. METHODS: Seventy-two patients underwent thyroidectomy or neck dissection by 1 surgeon. Forty-five patients had a total thyroidectomy, 16 patients had a hemithyroidectomy, 9 patients had a completion thyroidectomy, and 2 patients had a neck dissection alone for recurrent thyroid cancer. ioPTH and serum calcium (SCa) levels were obtained during the course of surgery and 1 month after surgery. Levels from these time points were compared, and correlated with the need for vitamin D supplementation at the 1-month follow-up evaluation using the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: Of the 72 patients, 14 had an ioPTH level less than 10 pg/mL at closure. At the 1-month evaluation, 11 of these 14 patients required vitamin D supplementation because of persistent hypoparathyroidism or hypocalcemia (P <.001). The remaining 3 of the 14 patients with ioPTH levels less than 10 pg/mL at closure did not require vitamin D supplementation at the 1-month evaluation because they were asymptomatic and their PTH and SCa levels had normalized. None of the 58 patients with an ioPTH level greater than 10 pg/mL at closure needed vitamin D supplementation at the 1-month follow-up evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: An ioPTH level less than 10 pg/mL at closure is a strong predictor of hypoparathyroidism after thyroid surgery. Patients with ioPTH levels less than 10 pg/mL at closure should be placed on vitamin D supplementation after surgery to anticipate decreased parathyroid gland function and to avoid symptomatic hypocalcemia.     

甲状腺手术中甲状旁腺损伤的预防和术后低钙血症的治疗

目的探讨甲状腺术中甲状旁腺损伤的预防和术后低钙血症治疗。方法选择134例接受甲状腺手术的患者作为研究对象,探讨不同手术方式术后甲状旁腺功能低下的发生情况、治疗效果及预后。结果双侧甲状腺叶全切除及中央区淋巴清扫术患者甲状旁腺功能低下症状的总发生率显著高于实施双侧腺叶次全切除术、单侧腺叶次全切除及对侧腺叶部分切除术及单侧或双侧甲状腺叶大部分切除术的患者,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。实施甲状腺手术后1 d,患者血清Ca2+水平均有所下降,除单侧或双侧甲状腺叶大部分切除术外,与术前相比,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后3 d血清Ca2+水平开始回升,术后5 d时,仅有一侧腺叶全切除及对侧腺叶部分切除术以及双侧甲状腺叶全切除及中央区淋巴清扫术两种术式较术前的血清Ca2+水平差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。全部患者中共有9例发生低钙血症。结论为患者实施甲状腺手术时,应避免伤及甲状旁腺及其血供,可减少低钙血症的发生。     

Incidental Parathyroidectomy during Thyroid Surgery: An Underappreciated Complication of Thyroidectomy

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, risk factors, and clinical relevance of incidental parathyroidectomy during thyroid surgery. Prospective analysis of data in patients following thyroidectomy, specifically regarding the presence of parathyroid parenchyma in the thyroidectomy specimens, the underlying thyroid pathology, and the presence of postoperative hypocalcemia (biochemical/clinical). The clinical records of 158 patients who underwent thyroid surgery during a 2-year period were reviewed. Pathology reports were carefully reviewed for the nature of the underlying thyroid disease, the presence, number, and size of incidentally resected parathyroid gland(s), their location, and possible parathyroid pathology. Serum calcium levels were measured preoperatively, on the day of surgery, and on postoperative days 1, 2, and 7 or even later as needed. Two groups of patients were studied: a group with incidental parathyroidectomy following thyroidectomy (group A) and a group without incidental parathyroidectomy after thyroidectomy (group B). Total/near-total thyroidectomy was the procedure of choice and was performed in 154 patients; total lobectomy and contralateral subtotal lobectomy was performed in the other 4 patients. Elective central neck lymph node dissection was performed in four patients with neck lymphadenopathy. Inadvertently removed parathyroid tissue was found in 28 cases (17.7 %); in 6 of these patients (21%) the parathyroid tissue was intrathyroidal. The percentage of women in group A was significantly higher than in group B (93% vs. 58.5%, P = 0.0002). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (A and B) regarding the preoperative (presumed) diagnosis, the histologic diagnosis of thyroid disease (benign versus malignant), the type/extent of surgery, or the presence of thyroiditis. Biochemical and clinical hypocalcemia was observed in 6 (21%) and 2 (7%) patients in group A, respectively, and in 30 (23%) and 8 (6%) patients of group B, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference regarding the occurrence of postoperative hypocalcemia (clinical/biochemical) between the two groups (P = 0.33). Incidental parathyroidectomy is not uncommon following thyroidectomy and in a significant percentage of cases it may be due to the intrathyroidal location of the parathyroid glands. Incidental parathyroidectomy was not found to be associated with postoperative hypocalcemia (biochemical/clinical). Incidental parathyroidectomy may be considered as a potentially preventable but clinically minor complication of thyroid surgery.     

达芬奇机器人甲状腺手术中甲状旁腺的损伤因素及保护

目的分析达芬奇机器人甲状腺手术中甲状旁腺损伤的相关因素,探讨甲状旁腺保护的方法,避免永久性甲状旁腺功能减退的发生。 方法回顾性分析2014年1月至2016年5月在济南军区总医院甲状腺乳腺外科行达芬奇机器人甲状腺手术的190例患者的临床资料,统计术后患者出现低甲状旁腺激素(PTH)及低血钙的发生率,分析术后发生甲状旁腺功能减退的相关因素,探讨术中如何保护甲状旁腺及其功能。 结果患者术后暂时性低PTH的发生率为20.53%(39/190),暂时性低血钙的发生率为23.68%(45/190),术后随访无永久性甲状旁腺功能减退发生。甲状腺全切术后低PTH、低血钙的发生率高于腺叶 ＋ 峡部切除术者(χ²＝14.789,11.604;P＝0.000,0.001)。行中央区淋巴结清扫的患者术后低PTH、低血钙的发生率高于未清扫者(χ²＝11.200,17.771;P＝0.001,0.000)。甲状旁腺原位保留者术后低PTH、低血钙的发生率低于切除后自体移植者(χ²＝5.536,4.851,6.140,5.453;P＝0.019,0.028,0.013,0.020)。 结论在达芬奇机器人甲状腺手术中,甲状腺全切除、中央区淋巴结清扫、甲状旁腺切除后自体移植是造成患者术后暂时性甲状旁腺功能减退的重要影响因素。在达芬奇机器人手术系统下,准确识别甲状旁腺,精细化手术操作,原位保护甲状旁腺及血供,是预防永久性甲状旁腺功能减退的有效方法。     

Selective parathyroid auto‐transplantation during thyroidectomy

Aim: Permanent hypoparathyroidism is a debilitating morbidity following thyroidectomy and parathyroid auto‐transplantation has been shown to be effective in preventing permanent hypoparathyroidism. Controversy exists regarding the benefit of routine versus selective auto‐transplantation. We evaluate the outcome of selective parathyroid auto‐transplantation in our hospital. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to assess the incidence of postoperative hypocalcaemia. Indication for parathyroid auto‐transplant was doubtful viability of parathyroid gland during thyroidectomy. From 1 July 2000 to 30 June 2005, all patients who underwent total, subtotal and completion thyroidectomy were included. Other outcome measures including recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and operative time were also analyzed. Results: A total of 170 bilateral or completion thyroidectomies were performed within this period. Total, subtotal, and completion total thyroidectomies were performed in 103 (60.6%), 62 (36.5%), and five (2.9%) patients, respectively. Median age was 45 years (range 19–82). One hundred and twenty‐four patients (73%) had benign thyroid disease, and 46 patients (27%) had thyroid carcinoma. Parathyroid auto‐transplant was performed in 35 patients (20.6%). Mean operation time was 204 min (range 95–510 min). There was no difference in the operation time between the patients with parathyroid auto‐transplant and those without auto‐transplant (217 vs 200 min, P = 0.229). Transient hypocalcaemia occurred in 31 patients (18.2%) whereas two patients had permanent hypocalcaemia (1.2%). Permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury occurred in one patient (0.6%). Conclusions: The adoption of selective parathyroid auto‐transplant during thyroidectomy achieves an extremely low incidence of permanent hypoparathyroidism without excessive transient hypoparathyroidism.