Background
Hypocalcaemia is the most frequent complication following thyroidectomy with significant morbidity and thyroidectomy is now commonly performed as a day case procedure.

Objectives
Due to lack of national consensus in the UK on management of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia, we aim to determine the variability in the management of hypocalcaemia following thyroid surgery in North West England and propose a user-friendly protocol as an example to facilitate early discharge and optimise patient safety.

Method
A questionnaire was sent out via email and in person to consultants and registrars within North West England and 9 out of 11 trusts responded.

Results
Variability in timings of postoperative calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) check, pre- and postoperative supplementation with calcium and vitamin D and length of admission was found.

Conclusion
Our study confirms the differences in practice with regards post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia management. The literature evidence supporting development of our recommended protocol is also discussed.

Variability in the management of hypocalcaemia following thyroid surgery by ENT surgeons from nine Trusts within North West England: need for universal protocol?

BACO International 2018