Hypoparathyroidism is a relatively common side effect of a thyroidectomy and leads to hypocalcemia. Carpopedal spasm and tetany are typical manifestations and usually occur within weeks after surgery. The first signs can be less typical and include movement disorders such as chorea, as well as symptoms of increased intracranial pressure or epileptic seizures. We describe two cases with generali...

BACKGROUND Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) proved to be safe and effective in the treatment of both benign diseases and malignancies. We report our experience in thyroid surgery in pediatric patients. METHODS From October 1998 to December 2005, 35 patients (27 females and 8 males) underwent MIVAT for thyroid disease. The mean age was 14.0 years (range, 8-18 years); mea...

Dear Editors, Thyroidectomy is the most frequently used method when performing surgery for thyroid cancer. A transverse incision on the neck is typically used to approach the thyroid; scar formation in highly visible areas of the neck is a consequence of using this method. The mean score of the Dermatology Life Quality Index for persons who have a thyroidectomy scar is similar to the mean score...

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the incidence and predictors of post-thyroidectomy definitive hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism. METHODS We assessed ionic calcium preoperatively and postoperatively (first, second and 30th day) in 333 patients undergoing thyroidectomy. In those presenting hypocalcemia, measurements were also made 90 and 180 days after surgery, when parathormone was also dosed. Patient...

Objectives: To identify any fluctuation of corrected serum calcium levels and to determine the presence of sub-clinical hypocalcaemia following partial and total thyroidectomy with preservation of at least two parathyroid glands. Design: A prospective study. Setting: Tertiary Head & Neck referral unit. Patients: Eighty five patients undergoing partial or total thyroidectomy with or without lary...

OBJECTIVES A number of remote access thyroidectomy techniques have been described in the last several years. These approaches are technically challenging, can be performed on only a limited patient population, and have been associated with significant complications. We describe a novel robotic facelift approach for thyroidectomy and report our initial clinical experience. DESIGN Planned analy...

Many tissues are thought to contain adult stem/progenitor cells that are responsible for repair of the tissue where they reside upon damage and/or carcinogenesis, conditions when cellular homeostasis becomes uncontrolled. While the presence of stem/progenitor cells of the thyroid has been suggested, how these cells contribute to thyroid regeneration remains unclear. Here we show the origin of t...