Hypocalcemia following thyroid surgery is caused either due to parathyroid devascularization, stunning, or accidental removal of the parathyroid glandsMultiple risk factors have been identified which predispose patients to develop post-operative hypocalcemia. In light of the available evidence of prevalent vitamin D deficiency in the general population, and the observation of appearance of postthyroidectomy hypocalcemic symptoms at a much earlier stage than documented in previous literature, we postulate that a prophylactic vitamin D supplementation dose given in immediate preoperative period can significantly reduce acute symptomatic postoperative hypocalcemia in patients undergoing thyroid surgery
Hypocalcaemia after thyroidectomy is observed with increasing frequency, often resulting in prolonged hospital stay with increased use of resources, delayed return to work and reduced quality of life. The administration of vitamin D is essential in the therapy of postoperative hypocalcaemia. What has not been examined so far is whether and how routine preoperative cholecalciferol prophylaxis can help to prevent postoperative hypocalcaemia