Role of pre and post-operative oral calcium and vitamin D supplements in prevention of hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy.

Abstract

AIM: to evaluate the role of pre and post-operative oral calcium and vitamin D supplements in prevention of hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 50 consecutive patients, undergoing total thyroidectomy, were enrolled. Oral calcium and vitamin D were administered in the pre and post-operative time. The data concerning symptomatic and laboratoristic hypocalcemia were collected. RESULTS: Incidence of symptomatic hypocalcemia was very low (6%); incidence of laboratoristic hypocalcemia was 10%. No permanent hypocalcemia developed. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing oral calcium and vitamin D both before and after total thyroidectomy can reduce the incidence of hypocalcemia related to surgery.