Comparison of outcome of total thyroidectomy with and without pre-operative calcium and vitamin D supplements in terms of post-operative hypocalcemia.

Objective: The objective of this study is to compare the effect of pre-operative calcium and vitamin D supplements in terms of hypocalcemia in patients with total thyroidectomy. Study Design: Comparative study. Setting: EAST Surgical Ward, MAYO Hospital Lahore, Pakistan. Period: 1st July 2018 to 30th June 2020. Material & Methods: Sample size of 342 patients and duration of 2 years. 2 groups were created including 171 patients each. Group A patients received calcium and vitamin D supplements 1 week prior to total thyroidectomy while Group B patients didn’t receive any supplements. The results of both groups were compared. Data was collected by pre designed proforma and evaluated by SPSS 21. Results: 164 (47.9%) patients were male and 178 (52.0%) were females. Most common age group which undergone total thyroidectomy was between 31 years to 40 years. Total 140 patients (40.93%) experienced hypocalcemia. In group A, 32 (18.71%) experienced hypocalcemia while in group B 108 (63.1%) experienced hypocalcemia. The most common occurrence of hypocalcemia was noted on 1st post-operative day where 52 (37.14%) cases of hypocalcemia were reported. Conclusion: In a country with prevalent calcium and vitamin D deficiency the addition of these supplements one week prior to total thyroidectomy will lead to lesser incidence of hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy and early discharge of the patient.