[Risk factors' analysis of transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism after thyroidectomy]

Aims: This review evaluates those main risk factors that can affect patients undergoing thyroidectomy, to reach a better pre- and post-operative management of transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism.

Discussion: The transient hypoparathyroidism is a potentially severe complication of thyroidectomy, including a wide range of signs and symptoms that persists for a few weeks. The definitive hypoparathyroidism occurs when a medical treatment is necessary over 12 months. Risk factors that may influence the onset of this condition after thyroidectomy include: pre- and post-operative biochemical factors, such as serum calcium levels, vitamin D blood concentrations and intact PTH. Other involved factors could be summarized as follow: female sex, Graves' or thyroid neoplastic diseases, surgeon's dexterity and surgical technique. The medical treatment includes the administration of calcium, vitamin D and magnesium sometimes.

Conclusions: Although biological and biochemical factors could be related to iatrogenic hypoparathyroidism, the surgeon's experience and the used surgical technique still maintain a crucial role in the aetiology of this important complication.