. EARLY POSTOPERATIVE PTH ASSAY AS A PREDICTOR OF HYPOCALCEMIA AFTER TOTAL THYROIDECTOMY A PROSPECTIVE STUDY .

Abstract

Introduction:Postoperative hypocalcemia represents a significant concern for total thyroidectomy patients and can greatly affect their quality of life by prolonging hospital stays and leading to frequent readmissions. Post-surgical hypocalcemia variably changes based on several factors, including surgical technique, patient characteristics, and the adopted definition of hypocalcemia. The absence of uniform protocols for assessing the risk of postoperative hypocalcemia causes a lack of efficacy in current management strategies. Preservation and identification of the parathyroid gland are integral to preventing postoperative hypocalcemia. A confluence of surgical techniques, methods, and devices is integrated to provide a better surgical outcome. Early detection and management of hypocalcemia through postoperative PTH measurement improve patient care by stratifying risk. Standardizing early PTH assessment ensures consistent, evidence-based care, optimizes resources, reduces treatment variability, and improves outcomes and healthcare efficiency.Aim:The aim of this work is to assess the value of early measurement of parathyroid hormone (PTH) postoperatively in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy.