Post-thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism.

The incidence of hypoparathyroidism following thyroid surgery in the series reported was 7.8 per cent. Temporary hypoparathyroidism was present in 15 patients (4.6%) and permanent hypoparathyroidism in 10 (3.2%). Persistently low levels of serum calcium and high levels of serum phosphorus at six to 10 weeks after thyroid operation in patients with temporary hypoparathyroidism, with no tendency toward normalization, suggests permanent hypoparathyroidism. Serum calcium below 5 mg per cent suggests permanent hypoparathyroidism.