ABSTRACT

Background: Thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure involving removal of all or part of the thyroid gland and is one of the most commonly done procedures in the world. Hypocalcemia, being the most common complication in the post operative period occurs due to acute parathyroid insufficiency following damage to, or devascularization of, one or more parathyroid glands during surgery. Hence evaluation of it’s prescribing pattern is necessary as it negatively impacts their quality of wellbeing and increases hospitalization time. Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted in 74 patients in the Department of General Surgery of Pushpagiri Medical College Hospital, Thiruvalla for a periodof 6 months. Patients who underwent thyroidectomy were included. Patient demographic details, laboratory investigations and treatment were collected from medical records. Data collected were entered in MS Excel sheet and statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 21.0 Software. Results: A significant decrease in the serum calcium levels after thyroidectomy was obtained (p<0.001). Tab. Shelcal was the most commonly prescribed brand for hypocalcemia. Majority of the patients had temporary hypocalcemia. A significant improvement in quality of life (p<0.001) was obtained in post thyroidectomy patients after counselling. Prolonged duration of surgery (p<0.01), preserved parathyroid glands (p<0.014) showed significant association with hypocalcemia. Conclusion: Serum calcium levels were significantly decreased after thyroidectomy. Administration of calcium and vitamin D supplements improved the calcium levels in hypocalcemic patients. Significant improvement was observed in the quality of life in post thyroidectomy patients after counselling. Keywords: Hypocalcemia, Post-Thyroidectomy, Serum calcium levels, Quality of life, Parathyroid glands, Calcium and Vitamin D supplements
Publication date: 01/07/2025

https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2025/July/MS_IJBPAS_2025_9219.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2025/14.7.9219