Combined ionized calcium and PTH evaluation in the management of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia.

Background: The aim of our study was to investigate the postoperative course of calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels after total thyroidectomy to define a proper and low cost protocol.

Methods: We studied 144 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy between 2007 and 2010. Ionized calcium was determined preoperatively and on day 1 (POD1), day 2 (POD2) and day 7 (POD7) postoperatively; PTH preoperatively and on POD7.