Prevention, Identification and Management of Postoperative Hypoparathyroidism

The objective of this article is to detail and present our experience on the incidence and management of parathyroid dysfunction after thyroid surgery. Selective evaluation of original articles and reviews that were retrieved by a PubMed search over the years 1990 to 2018, as well as of the recommendations of medical societies including the American, European and Asian Thyroid/Endocrine Associations. The literature presents several contributions, with controversial results. The recommended management for the diagnosis and treatment of parathyroid dysfunction after bilateral thyroid surgery or recurrent surgery consists of an intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) determination 12–24 hours after surgery and calcium substitution in iPTH <15 pg/mL, no substitution with iPTH ≥15 pg/mL. This procedure is safe for the patient and is accepted by patients and social insurances (for short hospital stay).