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- DOI 10.18231/j.ijoas.12291.1877464992
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CrossMark
Saving the parathyroid during thyroid surgery and its impact on quality of life: A surgical challenge
- Author Details:
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Alpana Deka
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Musuka Gwra Narzary *
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Rupam Borgohain
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Mangalik Mukherjee
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Karishma Ali
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Manish Sarma
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Huidrom Tondon Chanu
Musuka Gwra Narzary *
Background: Thyroidectomy which was once labelled as butchery (Samuel gross) and was banned in Europe has now come to be one of the most skillful of surgical procedures. There are 4 parathyroid glands lying in close association with the thyroid gland which are responsible for calcium homeostasis of the body. Post-operative hypo parathyroidism results from a reduction of functioning of these parathyroid parenchyma. This results in transient or delayed hypocalcemia which in some cases makes the patient dependent on lifetime of calcium supplement.
Materials and Methods: A prospective hospital based cross sectional study was done over 50 patients in a period of one year indicated for thyroidectomy and monitored for hypocalcemia and its impact on post-operative QOL. A successful attempt was made to start pre-operative oral calcium supplements for patient less than 8 mg /dl serum calcium levels.
Results: Out of 50 patients, 21 Patients showed consistent normocalcaemia. 5 of the patients showed severe hypocalcaemia. 28 patients required post-operative calcium supplement.
Conclusion: Visualization and saving of the parathyroid gland along with its vasculature by meticulous capsular dissection remain the most challenging yet effective way to prevent post-operative hypocalcaemia in thyroid surgery.
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