Incidental extirpation of the parathyroid glands at thyroid surgery: risk factors and post-operative hypocalcemia.

The objective of this study was to estimate the incidence of incidental extirpation of the parathyroid glands during thyroid operations, and to investigate possible risk factors and post-thyroidectomy complications using a descriptive design in a university hospital setting. Hospital records for all thyroidectomies performed in the period between 1st February 2004 and 31 January 2008 for Incidence of incidental extirpation of the parathyroid glands during thyroid operations and post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia were reviewed. Results showed that incidental parathyroidectomy occurred in 8.6%. Most of the excised parathyroid tissues were extracapsular. Malignant thyroid disease was a risk factor. Extent of surgery, age and sex were not risk factors for incidental parathyroidectomy. Results also showed that incidental parathyroidectomy was associated with transient hypocalcemia.