Clinical Correlation Between Preoperative Hypocalcemia and Post-Thyroidectomy Hypocalcemia in Patients with Goiter

Many patients undergoing thyroidectomy present with subclinical hypocalcemia preoperatively, the prevalence and significance of which remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and impact of preoperative hypocalcemia in goiter patients undergoing thyroid surgery, a complication often encountered postoperatively. Out of the 255 patients examined, the study found a preoperative hypocalcemia rate of 20.4%, which rose to 26.1% following thyroidectomy, specifically peaking at 21.1% in instances of total thyroidectomy. Postoperative symptomatic hypocalcemia occurred in 8.9% with a mean serum calcium level of 1.87 mmol/L. In the linear regression analysis, a negative correlation was observed between thyroid procedures and overall serum calcium levels, and notable correlations were observed for total thyroidectomy, hemithyroidectomy, and lobectomy. Age, sex, and thyroid status showed no significant correlation with serum calcium levels. The study highlighted the significant occurrence of subclinical hypocalcemia in individuals with goiter, emphasizing how the severity of postoperative hypocalcemia is influenced by the extent of thyroidectomy. These insights help refine surgical strategies and improve patient care.