| Background: Transient hypocalcemia is a frequent complication after total thyroidectomy. Routine postoperative administration of vitamin D and calcium can reduce the incidence of symptomatic postoperative hypocalcemia It has been hypothesized that there is a relationship between underlying vitamin D deficiency and the risk of post-operative hypocalcemia. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional review on 50 thyroidectomies from SLIMS hospital. Pre-operative vitamin D levels and post-operative calcium level were obtained. The incidence of hypocalcemic symptoms was studied. Biochemical hypocalcemia was defined as any single post-operative corrected calcium level < 8.0 mg/dl (to convert to millimoles per liter, multiply by 0.25). Results and Discussion: There was a significant differentiation between mean of vitamin D levels in hypocalcemic group and normocalcemic group. The results of this study indicate that routine pre and post TT calcium and Vitamin D supplementation can significantly reduce post operative hypocalcemia. Conclusion: We, therefore, suggest the same in the prevention of post TT hypocalcemia, which ultimately can also decrease prolonged hospitalization of patients and costs associated with multiple blood sampling. Patient with lower vitamin D levels should benefit from a screening for post-operative hypocalcemia. Pre-operative vitamin D levels appear to have a significant effect on the risk of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia.ddd |
