Effect of bilateral Truncal ligation of the inferior thyroid artery on serum calcium levels after subtotal thyroidectomy

ABSTRACT

Hypocalcaemia is a well recognized complication of thyroid surgery. We have compared the prevalence of hypocalcaemia in our patients following ligation and non-ligation of the inferior thyroid artery after thyroid surgery. A prospective study was done from January 2004 to December 2007, at Assiut University Hospital. All patients [110 patients] undergoing subtotal thyroidectomy were placed in two groups at random. Group I [55 patients] had inferior thyroid arteries ligated whereas in Group II [55 patients], inferior thyroid arteries were not ligated Serum calcium levels were measured before and after surgery. 110 patients were operated [90 females and 20 males], 55 patients in Group I and similar number in Group II Transient hypocalcaemia was observed in 2 [3.63%] patients in Group I and in one [1.81%] patient in Group II. Permanent hypocalcaemia was observed in one [1.81%] patient in Group I and no permanent hypocalcaemia recorded in Group II. Results were statistically insignificant. There is no significant difference in post-operative hypocalcaemia whether or not the inferior thyroid arteries were ligated