Post-operative partial hypoparathyroidism: an under-recognized disorder.

Background: Permanent hypoparathyroidism is a well-recognized complication of total thyroidectomy, and a commonly reported clinical indicator of that procedure. However, a small number of patients still require ongoing calcium supplementation post-operatively in order to avoid the symptoms of hypocalcaemia, despite a normal serum parathyroid hormone level. The aim of this study was to characterize this disorder of post-operative partial hypoparathyroidism and to identify any risk factors.

Recurrence after total thyroidectomy for benign multinodular goiter.

Background: Total thyroidectomy is now the preferred option for the management of benign multinodular goiter (BMNG), and it ought not be associated with recurrent disease. The aim of the present study was to examine the efficacy of total thyroidectomy for BMNG and to review reasons for recurrence.

Material And Methods: The study group comprised all patients from January 1980 to December 2005 who underwent a definitive procedure to remove all thyroid tissue for BMNG, and who were subsequently identified as having developed a recurrence.

Completion thyroidectomy for malignancy after initial minimal access thyroid surgery.

Background: Minimal access thyroid surgery (MATS), carried out through a lateral 2.5-cm incision, provides excellent clinical and cosmetic outcomes when carried out for small (<3 cm), single nodules. However, if the final pathology shows thyroid malignancy and a completion thyroidectomy is required, the small lateral incision requires conversion to a standard collar incision and the second operation must be carried out in the presence of previous lateral dissection.