Incidence of Post-Thyroidectomy Hypocalcaemia in Patients Managed at Lagos University Teaching Hospital

Post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia, resulting from inadvertent parathyroid gland injury or devascularization, is a common and preventable complication following thyroid surgery. This study determines the incidence, clinical manifestations, and management of hypocalcaemia among patients who underwent total or near-total thyroidectomy at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos State, South West Nigeria, between 2020 and 2024. A prospective observational design was adopted for 85 patients, with serum calcium levels measured at 24 hours, 48 hours, and one week postoperatively. Symptoms of hypocalcaemia were documented alongside intraoperative findings, surgical technique, and duration of surgery. The Chvostek and Trousseau signs were used as clinical screening tools. Biochemical hypocalcaemia was detected in 29% of patients, with symptomatic hypocalcaemia occurring in 12%. Total thyroidectomy for multinodular goiter carried the highest risk. Intraoperative identification and preservation of parathyroid glands were documented in only 54% of cases. The study recommends routine intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring and structured surgeon training in parathyroid identification to reduce this complication. Postoperative calcium supplementation protocols should be standardized across all units performing thyroidectomy in South West Nigeria. Keywords: thyroidectomy, hypocalcaemia, parathyroid, LUTH, thyroid surgery