甲状腺手术后甲状旁腺激素值低下是低钙血症的可行性预测指标

甲状腺手术后需测定血钙值 ,对双侧甲状腺大部切除后长期测定很费时 ,如能在术后第一天就能采用一种方法预测低钙血症则很有价值 ,因为习用的血钙测定方法受术后血液稀释而不精确。应用术中甲状旁腺激素 (PTH)测定可预测低钙血症的发生。作者研究 38例甲状腺手术病人 ,计男 6例 ,女 32例 ,中位值年龄 35岁 (15～ 80岁 ) ;甲亢 2 6例 ,甲状腺肿 10例 ,Plummer病 (毒性甲状腺腺瘤 )和乳头状甲状腺癌各 1例。 18例行近似甲状腺全切除 ,2 0例行甲状腺全切除 ,保护好甲状旁腺。比较习用的生化性低钙血症 (非症状性 )测定方法 (血清钙术后次晨低…     

甲状腺不同手术方式对甲状旁腺功能的影响

目的:探讨甲状腺不同手术方式术后甲状旁腺素(PTH)、血钙的变化,总结预防甲状腺术后甲状旁腺功能减退发生的方法及并发症的处理。方法:检测2012年1—5月191例甲状腺手术患者术前及术后血清PTH、血钙,比较术前、术后的变化,并按照手术范围分7组,比较各组之间术后PTH、血钙的变化。结果:各组术后较术前比较,血钙、血PTH均明显下降(P0.05)。同组术后1 d与4 d血PTH、血钙之间比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。各组低血PTH、症状性低钙血症的发生率以及术后PTH下降幅度的比较:全甲状腺切除+双侧颈中央区淋巴清除组、全甲状腺切除+一侧改良颈清+对侧颈中央区淋巴清除组甲状腺双叶切除组甲状腺单叶切除组,其差异有统计学意义(P0.05﹚,而在全甲状腺切除,以及同样范围的颈中央区淋巴清除的基础上,是否行改良颈清,对于术后低PTH血症及症状性低钙血症的发生率以及PTH下降的幅度,差异无统计学意义(P0.05﹚。低血钙的发生率比较:甲状腺单侧腺叶切除与其他6种手术方式比较、甲状腺双侧腺叶切除与全甲状腺切除+一侧改良颈清+对侧颈中央区淋巴清除比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.05﹚。结论:各种甲状腺术式对甲状旁腺功能均有不同程度的影响,手术范围越大,术后并发甲状旁腺功能减退的可能性越大。预防术后甲状旁腺功能减退的根本,就在于术中甲状旁腺的保护。     

分化型甲状腺癌术后PTH变化及发生低钙血症的临床分析

目的：探讨分化型甲状腺癌不同手术方式后PTH和血钙的变化,总结手术方式与PTH及低钙血症的关系。 方法：检测2012年10月—2013年9月167例分化型甲状腺癌患者术前、术后10 min、术后第1、2天PTH水平及术前、术后第1、2、3天血钙水平变化,进行统计学分析。 结果：分化型甲状腺癌手术后,手术方式中行甲状腺近全切除+中央组淋巴结清扫者,术后低钙血症发生率均较高;术后发生低钙血症者PTH水平显著降低（P<0.05）。 结论：分化型甲状腺癌手术后均可影响甲状旁腺功能,手术越大术后发生低钙血症可能越大。PTH水平降低是术后低钙血症发生的主要因素。

     

甲状腺癌术后甲状旁腺素检测对预测低钙血症的作用

目的探讨术后检测甲状旁腺素(PTH)对预测低钙血症的作用,为指导临床及时补钙提供参考。方法选取2016年1月至2018年3月于医院治疗的80例甲状腺癌患者作为研究对象,均行手术治疗,术后1小时检测患者PTH水平,并进行分组,对照组(40例,PTH≥15 ng/L,非损伤,则不需补钙)与观察组(40例,PTH15 ng/L,损伤,则补钙)。分别检测两组患者术前、术后1、3、7、30天时PTH和血钙水平,记录两组术后症状性低钙血症发生情况。结果两组术前、术后7、30天时PTH水平比较,P0.05;两组术后1小时、1天、3天时PTH水平比较,P0.05。两组术前、术后各时段血钙水平比较,P0.05。观察组术后发生症状性低钙血症率为12.5%(5/40)与对照组7.5%(3/40)比较,χ~2=0.555,P=0.456。结论对术后1小时甲状旁腺素偏低者需及时实施预防性补钙以预防低钙血症发生,对促进患者甲状旁腺功能具有重要作用。     

甲状腺全切除术76例临床应用

目的:探讨多发性结节性甲状腺肿、Graves病、桥本甲状腺炎及分化型甲状腺癌的手术治疗方法.方法:回顾性分析甲状腺全切除手术76例患者的临床资料,从甲状腺切除范围、手术技巧、术中及术后并发症方面,探讨治疗甲状腺疾病的手术方式.结果:全组患者均接受双侧甲状腺全切术.首次手术患者64例,其中5例(7.8%)术后出现一过性或短期完全恢复的低钙血症,无喉返神经损伤病例;复发病例12例,其中4例(33.3%)患者发生一侧喉返神经受损并伴有暂时性甲状旁腺功能低下,其中一例患者发生永久性甲状旁腺功能低下.结论:双侧甲状腺全切术可作为多发性结节性甲状腺肿、Graves病、桥本氏甲状腺炎及分化型甲状腺癌常规手术方法.     

甲状旁腺原位保护技术在甲状腺全切除术中的应用

目的:比较分析甲状腺全切除术中甲状旁腺的保护方法,探讨甲状旁腺原位保护技术在甲状腺全切除术中的意义。方法:选取2012年1月—2014年1月在我院行甲状腺全切除手术的患者452例,其中213例按照传统手术方案(不常规暴露甲状旁腺)进行手术(A组),239例采取甲状旁腺原位保护技术(B组);每组根据肿瘤性质分为良性组(A1、B1),恶性组(A2、B2)。分析各组患者术后第1天甲状旁腺功能减退(甲旁减)、低钙血症及症状性低钙血症的发生情况。结果:(1)A、B两组患者术后血钙及PTH与术前比较均明显下降,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。(2)A组患者术后第1天血甲状旁腺素(PTH)及血钙下降均值差明显高于B组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。(3)A组、A1组术后第1天不良反应发生率(低钙血症、甲旁减、症状性低钙血症)分别高于B组、B1组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);A2组术后第1天甲旁减发生率明显高于B2组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),A2和B2组术后第1天低钙血症和症状性低钙血症发生率比较无显著差异(P0.05)。结论:甲状腺切除术会引起甲状旁腺功能损伤,提高对甲状旁腺的解剖认识、注重甲状旁腺的精细被膜解剖、保护其动静脉血供能降低术后暂时性甲旁减、低钙血症和症状性低钙血症的发生率。     

甲状腺术后症状性低钙血症与甲状旁腺激素及血钙关系的探讨

目的 检测甲状腺术后患者甲状旁腺激素(PTH)及血钙水平,并探讨其与术后症状性低钙血症发生的关系.方法 手术治疗的351例甲状腺疾病患者,对其术后14～16h血钙和PTH水平进行检测.观察发生轻微症状及严重症状的两组患者术后PTH及血钙情况.结果 本组351例患者术前血钙均>2.0mmol/L,肾功能均正常.58例患者术后出现低钙症状,其中严重症状16例,轻微症状42例.比较血钙<2.0mmol/L是否产生严重症状时其特异度为83%,敏感度为30%,差异无统计学意义.比较PTH<0.8pmol/L是否产生严重症状时其特异度为82.0%,敏感度为87.5%,差异有统计学意义.当应用血钙<2.0mmol/L与PTH<0.8pmol/L联合检测时其特异度为80.5%,敏感度为85.7%,差异有统计学意义.结论 术后14～16h PTH在预测术后症状性低钙血症方面比血钙敏感,PTH<0.8pmol/L可作为严重症状性低钙血症的预测指标,临床应用方便.     

甲状腺全切除术中保护甲状旁腺功能研究分析

目的总结甲状腺全切除术中甲状旁腺功能的保护方法。方法回顾性分析2009年10月至2014年6月收治的42例行甲状腺全切除术患者的临床资料,比较手术前后血清甲状旁腺激素(PTH)、血钙水平变化。结果术后PTH暂时低下者19例(45.2%),低钙血症者9例(21.4%),术后30 d复查血清PTH及血钙均恢复正常,未见永久性甲状旁腺功能低下的病例。术后第1、3、5天,血清PTH较术前明显降低(P0.05),而术后30 d,血清PTH与术前无显著性差异(P0.05)。血钙水平除了术后第1天、第3天低于术前(P0.05),其余时间点与术前均无显著性差异(P0.05)。结论甲状腺全切除术中加强对甲状旁腺解剖位置的辨别、血供的保护,可有效减少术后甲状旁腺的损伤,避免严重并发症的发生。     

甲状腺围术期甲状旁腺素与术后低钙血症的关系

目的探讨甲状腺围术期血清甲状旁腺素(PTH)的变化规律及其与甲状腺术后低钙血症(PHC)的相关关系。方法 2007年1月至2008年6月甲状腺手术患者322例,分别于术前1d、术中切除腺体后15min、术后第1天、术后第4天测定血清PTH及血清钙。结果甲状腺术后PTH比术前明显下降;PHC组的术中PTH明显低于正常血钙组的术中PTH;术中PTH低于正常值下限的患者PHC的发生率高于术中PTH正常的患者,差异均有统计学意义。结论甲状腺手术会影响甲状旁腺分泌PTH水平,术中PTH低于正常值下限可作为早期预测PHC的重要指标。     

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目的 探讨甲状腺癌手术后低钙血症的发生发展规律及治疗方法。方法 对65例因甲状腺癌而做甲状腺全切除或近全切除的病人进行术后随访，动态监测血清钙，磷，镁的变化。结果 65例病人均出现不同程度的低钙血症，其中无症状低钙血症发生率为81．5％，术后不需静脉补钙治疗。有症状低钙血症的发生率为18．5％，需静脉补钙治疗，1例病人发生永久性甲状旁腺功能低下。有症状低钙血症组血清钙浓度在术后第1，2，3，5天较无症状低钙血症组血清钙浓度明显降低（P＜0．05）。有症状低钙血症组血清磷浓度在术后第2，3天较无症状低钙血症组血清磷浓度明显增高（P＜0．05）。结论 （1）有症状低钙血症发生在手术后3天之内，甲状腺癌手术后3天应常规监测血钙，血磷和血镁，血钙低于1.81mmol/L，高度警惕低钙症状出现。（2）有症状低钙血症病人经及时补充钙剂后，症状迅速改善，并往往在术后7天内消失。（3）血钙的高低与甲状旁腺的保留量，甲状旁腺素的浓度似乎无必然联系。     

Serum intact parathyroid hormone as a predictor of hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND: Hypocalcaemia from hypoparathyroidism is a complication of total thyroidectomy. The aim of the present study was to determine whether an early postoperative level of serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) after total thyroidectomy predicts the development of significant hypocalcaemia and the need for treatment. METHODS: Patients undergoing total thyroidectomy had their serum level of intact PTH checked 1 h after removal of the thyroid gland. Serum calcium level was checked on the following morning. Oral calcium and/or calcitriol was commenced if the patient developed hypocalcaemic symptoms, or if the corrected serum calcium level was <2.0 mmol/L. RESULTS: Seventy-nine patients were included in the present study. Thirteen patients had symptoms of hypocalcaemia on postoperative days 1 or 2 and 66 patients remained asymptomatic. The postoperative intact PTH, day 1 calcium and day 2 calcium was 0.32 +/- 0.60 pmol/L, 2.01 +/- 0.11 mmol/L, and 2.02 +/- 0.16 mmol/L, respectively, for the symptomatic group and 1.98 +/- 1.25, 2.21 +/- 0.13, and 2.19 +/- 0.14, respectively, for the asymptomatic group. Calcium support was given to 25 patients, of whom 14 also required calcitriol. CONCLUSION: Serum PTH 1-h after total thyroidectomy is a reliable predictor of hypocalcaemia and can allow safe early discharge of patients from hospital.     

Early postoperative PTH levels as a predictor of hypocalcaemia and facilitating safe early discharge after total thyroidectomy

OBJECTIVE: Hypocalcaemia after total or completion thyroidectomy has traditionally required 48 hours or longer inpatient monitoring of serum calcium levels. The use of parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels to predict postoperative hypocalcaemia is well established. This study aimed to measure the impact of a management plan based on postoperative PTH on achieving safe early discharge after thyroidectomy. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 76 patients undergoing total or completion thyroidectomy was performed. Serum PTH level was measured 4-12 hours postoperatively and used to stratify patients into three groups: normal PTH (> 12 pg/mL), undetectable PTH (< 3 pg/mL) and intermediate PTH (4-11 pg/mL). A subgroup analysis was performed on a cohort of patients after a change in the management philosophy aiming for day 1 discharge based on the postoperative PTH. RESULTS: Seventy-five percent of eligible patients were successfully discharged on day 1 with no complications or readmissions; 21% of patients had intermediate or undetectable PTH levels and were monitored for 48 hours. No patient required intravenous calcium and no patient suffered permanent hypoparathyroidism. CONCLUSION: A single PTH measurement at 4-12 hours postoperatively allows for accurate prediction of patients at risk of hypocalcaemia. Patients with a normal postoperative PTH level can be safely discharged on the first postoperative day.     

Australian Endocrine Surgeons Guidelines AES06/01. Postoperative parathyroid hormone measurement and early discharge after total thyroidectomy: analysis of Australian data and management recommendations

Background: The risk of hypocalcaemia after thyroidectomy has traditionally mandated inpatient monitoring for signs and symptoms as well as frequent measurement of serum calcium levels. In recent years there has been much interest in the published work about the use of intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) to better predict hypocalcaemia after thyroidectomy. Although generally accurate, the use of intact parathyroid hormone in Australia has not become widespread. On behalf of the Australian Endocrine Surgeons an analysis of Australian data on the use of PTH levels to predict hypocalcaemia after thyroidectomy was carried out. The data were analysed with a view to making recommendations about the use of this test in clinical practice and the feasibility of achieving safe early discharge for patients. Methods: Four recently published or presented Australian studies on the use of early postoperative PTH levels after total or completion thyroidectomy to predict post‐thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia were analysed. Patients were stratified into either normal or low PTH groups as defined by the normal ranges set by each laboratory and rates of hypocalcaemia were analysed. Results: A total of 458 patients were examined. Seventy‐six per cent of the patients had PTH in the normal range and hypocalcaemia (serum‐corrected calcium cCa²⁺ < 2.00 mmol/L) occurred in 17.9% of patients. Sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive values of a normal postoperative PTH level as a predictor of normocalcaemia are 92.6, 70.7 and 92.3%, respectively. Low PTH as a predictor of hypocalcaemia is poor. The overall sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive values are 70.7, 92.6 and 71.6%, respectively. Conclusion: Normal postoperative PTH levels accurately predict normocalcaemia after total or completion thyroidectomy. PTH levels should ideally be drawn 4 h postoperatively and patients with PTH in the normal range can be safely discharged on the first postoperative day. Use of oral calcium supplements, either as needed or routinely, will avoid mild symptoms that may develop in 7% without treatment.     

ROUTINE AUTOTRANSPLANTATION OF AT LEAST ONE PARATHYROID GLAND DURING TOTAL THYROIDECTOMY MAY REDUCE PERMANENT HYPOPARATHYROIDISM TO ZERO

Background : Permanent hypoparathyroidism, although a recognized complication of total thyroidectomy, is an outcome that all endocrine surgeons try to avoid. Methods : To minimize the risk of postoperative hypoparathyroidism a strategy was developed of routine autotransplantation of at least one parathyroid gland into the ipsilateral sternomastoid muscle during every total thyroidectomy. One hundred consecutive patients undergoing total thyroidectomy were included in the study. Serum calcium and albumin levels were measured pre-operatively, on the first 2 postoperative days, and after 2 weeks, or until return to normal serum calcium levels without calcium supplementation. If patients developed biochemical evidence or symptoms of hypocalcaemia postoperatively, a calcium replacement was administered according to defined protocol. Results : In 74 cases one parathyroid gland was autotransplanted: 44 for inadvertent removal or anatomical reasons, 19 because of devascularization (assessed by a cut through the gland’s capsule and evaluation of the capillary bleeding pattern), and 11 by protocol. In 25 cases, two or more glands were autotransplanted. Fourteen patients developed symptoms of hypocalcaemia and received calcium supplementation, as did another 13 asymptomatic patients with only biochemical evidence of hypocalcaemia. At follow-up 3 months postoperatively the incidence of permanent hypoparathyroidism was zero, with all patients being normocalcaemic without calcium supplementation. Conclusions : This strategy, easily adopted by any experienced surgeon, has the potential to eliminate permanent hypoparathyroidism following total thyroidectomy.     

Routine autotransplantation of at least one parathyroid gland during total thyroidectomy may reduce permanent hypoparathyroidism to zero.

BACKGROUND: Permanent hypoparathyroidism, although a recognized complication of total thyroidectomy, is an outcome that all endocrine surgeons try to avoid. METHODS: To minimize the risk of postoperative hypoparathyroidism a strategy was developed of routine autotransplantation of at least one parathyroid gland into the ipsilateral sternomastoid muscle during every total thyroidectomy. One hundred consecutive patients undergoing total thyroidectomy were included in the study. Serum calcium and albumin levels were measured pre-operatively, on the first 2 postoperative days, and after 2 weeks, or until return to normal serum calcium levels without calcium supplementation. If patients developed biochemical evidence or symptoms of hypocalcaemia postoperatively, a calcium replacement was administered according to defined protocol. RESULTS: In 74 cases one parathyroid gland was autotransplanted: 44 for inadvertent removal or anatomical reasons, 19 because of devascularization (assessed by a cut through the gland's capsule and evaluation of the capillary bleeding pattern), and 11 by protocol. In 25 cases, two or more glands were autotransplanted. Fourteen patients developed symptoms of hypocalcaemia and received calcium supplementation, as did another 13 asymptomatic patients with only biochemical evidence of hypocalcaemia. At follow-up 3 months postoperatively the incidence of permanent hypoparathyroidism was zero, with all patients being normocalcaemic without calcium supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: This strategy, easily adopted by any experienced surgeon, has the potential to eliminate permanent hypoparathyroidism following total thyroidectomy.     

Parathyroid hormone assay predicts hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND: Postoperative parathyroid gland function after total thyroidectomy (TT) has traditionally been monitored by the measurement of serum calcium concentrations. The purpose of this study is to determine whether measurement of parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations in the early postoperative period accurately predicts patients at risk of developing hypocalcaemia. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of patients undergoing TT was carried out. PTH concentrations were measured preoperatively and at 4 and 23 h postoperatively. Serum calcium concentration was measured preoperatively and twice daily for 48 h after surgery. RESULTS: One hundred patients undergoing TT were recruited into the study in the period June 2004 to July 2005. Benign multinodular goitre was the most common indication for surgery (77%). The incidence of temporary hypocalcaemia (Ca < 2.0 mmol/L) was 18%. The mean PTH concentration at 4 h after surgery was 22.3 ng/L and was not significantly different from the 23-h concentration of 23.2 ng/L (P = 0.18). A PTH concentration of < or = 3 ng/L measured at 4 h after surgery had a sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratio of 0.71, 0.94 and 11.3, respectively, for predicting postoperative hypocalcaemia. The accuracy of a single PTH concentration at 4 h was good for predicting hypocalcaemia (area under receiver-operator characteristic curve 0.90; confidence interval 0.81-0.96). There was no significant difference in accuracy between the 4- and 24-h PTH concentrations (P = 0.14). CONCLUSIONS: A single measurement of PTH concentration in the early postoperative period after TT reliably predicts patients who are likely to develop hypocalcaemia. This approach facilitates early discharge and may decrease the need for multiple postoperative blood tests.     

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.     

Factors predicting outcome of hypocalcaemia following total thyroidectomy

Postoperative hypocalcaemia is often observed after total thyroidectomy. In patients requiring calcium replacement therapy after 1 year, hypocalcaemia must be considered permanent. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of hypocalcaemia following total thyroidectomy and to evaluate the risk factors predicting delayed outcome such as hypoparathyroidism. From January 1998 to September 2001, 310 patients underwent total thyroidectomy in our department. In a total of 37 patients experiencing hypocalcaemia, the authors carried out a comparative study of 34 patients with transient hypocalcaemia (group A) and 3 patients with permanent hypocalcaemia (group B). The incidences of transient and permanent hypocalcaemia were 11.9% and 0.9%, respectively. Central neck lymph-node dissection performed in cases of thyroid carcinoma correlated with permanent hypoparathyroidism. The most significant factors predicting long-term outcome of hypocalcaemia were low serum calcium levels (< 8 mg/dl) and high serum phosphorus levels (> 5 mg/dl) measured on postoperative day 7, despite oral calcium replacement. The indications for lymph-node dissection in the central neck area should be very strictly selected. When delayed serum calcium and phosphorus levels are unfavourable, thorough follow-up of patients is mandatory in order to administer the correct therapy and prevent the consequences of chronic hypocalcaemia.     

Early (1 hour) post-operative parathyroid hormone (PTH) measurement predicts hypocalcaemia after thyroidectomy: a prospective case-control single-institution study

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of parathyroid hormone 1-hour assay for the early prediction of hypoparathyroidism after thyroidectomy. Candidates for total, subtotal, completion thyroidectomy or lobectomy were entered into the study. Pre- and postoperative calcium and parathyroid hormone (1 hour and postoperative day 1 after thyroidectomy) levels and clinical hypocalcaemia were recorded. Patients were divided into 3 groups and 2 subgroups: 1. patients who underwent lobectomy (control group); 2. patients who underwent total thyroidectomy with postoperative hypocalcaemia (2A: asymptomatic patients, 2B: symptomatic patients); 3. asymptomatic patients with normal calcium levels after total thyroidectomy. Of 119 patients, 109 underwent total thyroidectomy and 10 lobectomy. Of the 109 patients submitted to total thyroidectomy, 35 (32.11%) developed postoperative transient hypocalcaemia. Twenty-one patients (19.27%) were asymptomatic and 14 (12.84%) were symptomatic. Parathyroid hormone levels decreased after 1 hour in group 3 (32.98 pg/dl), 2A (9.84 pg/dl) and 2B (7.46 pg/dl). There was no significant difference in parathyroid hormone levels at 1 hour between group 2A and 2B (p = 0.06), but were significantly lower compared to groups 3 and 1 (p < 0.05). Parathyroid hormone levels at 1 hour after total thyroidectomy is a good predictor of early hypocalcaemia. It might be more useful than serum calcium monitoring for the early identification of patients requiring postoperative calcium supplementation.     

Rolle der totalen Thyreoidektomie im primären Therapiekonzept der benignen Knotenstruma

INTRODUCTION: After subtotal resection of multinodular goiter, rates of up to 40% are reported for recurrent goiter in the long-term follow-up. Because of the increased morbidity of surgery for recurrent goiter, this study evaluated the preconditions that would justify total thyroidectomy as part of the primary therapy concept for benign multinodular goiter. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Quality Assurance Study of Benign and Malignant Goiter covering the period from 1 January to 31 December 1998 assessed 5195 patients treated for benign goiter by primary bilateral resection. With respect to the extent of resection three groups were analyzed: bilateral subtotal resection (ST+ST, n=4580), subtotal resection with contralateral lobectomy (ST+HT, n=527), and total thyroidectomy (TT, n=88). RESULTS: The age of the patients was significantly higher (60.3 years) in the TT group than in the ST+ST (52.5 years) and ST+HT (55.6 years) groups. ASA classification grades III and IV were significantly more frequent in the TT group. The postoperative morbidity increased with the extent of resection. The rate of permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy was 0.8% for ST+ST, 1.4% for ST+HT, and 2.3% for TT and of permanent hypoparathyroidism 1.5% for ST+ST, 2.8% for ST+HT, and 12.5% for TT. Multivariate analysis showed that the extent of resection significantly increased the risk of RLN palsy (transient RR 0.5, permanent RR 0.4) and hypoparathyroidism (transient RR 0.2,permanent RR 0.08). The surgeon's experience (RR 0.6) and identification of the RLN (RR 0.5) reduced the risk of permanent RLN palsy. Additionally, the development of permanent hypoparathyroidism was reduced if at least two parathyroid glands (RR 0.4) were identified. CONCLUSION: Total thyroidectomy is associated with an increased rate of RLN palsies and hypoparathyroidism in comparison to less extensive thyroid surgery. In the hands of well-trained surgeons using an appropriate intraoperative technique, primary thyroidectomy is justified if the patient has an increased risk of recurrent goiter. Due to the increased postoperative morbidity after total thyroidectomy, subtotal thyroid resection based on the morphologic changes in the thyroid gland is still recommended as the standard treatment regimen for multinodular goiter.