The importance of the ligation of the inferior thyroid artery in parathyroid function after subtotal thyroidectomy

Authors

  • Vergilius José Furtado de Araujo Filho University of São Paulo; Faculty of Medicine; Hospital das Clínicas; Department of Head and Neck Surgery
  • Gilberto Britto e Silva Filho University of São Paulo; Faculty of Medicine; Hospital das Clínicas; Department of Head and Neck Surgery
  • Lenine Garcia Brandão University of São Paulo; Faculty of Medicine; Hospital das Clínicas; Department of Head and Neck Surgery
  • Luiz Roberto Medina dos Santos University of São Paulo; Faculty of Medicine; Hospital das Clínicas; Department of Head and Neck Surgery
  • Alberto R. Ferraz University of São Paulo; Faculty of Medicine; Hospital das Clínicas; Department of Head and Neck Surgery

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0041-87812000000400002

Keywords:

Thyroidect, Parathyroid gla, Hypoparathyroid, Hypocalce, Surg

Abstract

We prospectively studied the effects of the ligation of the inferior thyroid artery (ITA) on postoperative hypoparathyroidism in 48 patients who underwent functional subtotal thyroidectomy. Patients were randomized into two groups: A, with bilateral ligation of the ITA and B, without ligation of the ITA. Parathyroid function was checked preoperatively and after surgery by clinical examination and measurement of total calcium, intact PTH, urinary calcium, and AMPc. RESULTS: A significant incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia occurred: 17% in group A and 13% in B on the 4th postoperative day. Six months later, the incidence was 5% in Group A and 0% in Group B. These differences were not statistically significant between the two groups, and neither were any of the other clinical and laboratory observations. CONCLUSION: The ligation of the ITA was not an important causal factor for the occurrence of postoperative hypocalcemia after subtotal thyroidectomy.

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Published

2000-08-01

Issue

Vol. 55 No. 4 (2000)

Section

Original Articles

How to Cite

Araujo Filho, V. J. F. de, Silva Filho, G. B. e, Brandão, L. G., Santos, L. R. M. dos, & Ferraz, A. R. (2000). The importance of the ligation of the inferior thyroid artery in parathyroid function after subtotal thyroidectomy . Revista Do Hospital Das Clínicas, 55(4), 113-120. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0041-87812000000400002