Study of changes in thyroid profile and serum calcium after subtotal thyroidectomy

Abstract

Sunny Chopra, Rajeev Khushwaha

Thyroidectomy is a common procedure being performed worldwide as a treatment of choice for thyroid enlargement. Subtotal thyroidectomy (STT) is considered as a preferred method over total thyroidectomy as in the previous procedure the surgeon leaves a small thyroid remnant in situ to preserve thyroid function, thereby preventing lifelong thyroid hormone supplementation therapy. The aim of this retrospective case study was to assess thyroid functions before and after STT. A retrospective case note review of patient of goiter admitted in the ENT department of our hospital was done. The parameters included in the study were thyroid function tests and their half-lives, serum calcium and serum albumin. After surgery, the slow decrease in levels of T3 and T4 were because of their half-lives. This case study concluded that the patient under study developed hypothyroidism, temporary hypocalcaemia and temporary hypoalbuminemia after STT.