Impact of Age on Postoperative Hypocalcemia after Thyroidectomy

Introduction: Hypocalcaemia due to transient or definitive hypoparathyroidism is the most frequent complication after total thyroidectomy. We aimed to compare the impact of age on postoperative hypocalcemia and to determine which risk factors are important for hypocalcemia incidence.Methods: Eight hundred seventy-one patients, who underwent total thyroidectomy, completion thyroidectomy, and central/lateral neck dissection, were evaluated retrospectively. Data were analyzed according to age, sex, surgery for hyperthyroidism, surgery for malignancy, presence or absence of neck dissection, and secondary procedures.Results: Symptomatic hypocalcemia developed in 28.7% of patients. In logistic regression analysis, young age and female sex were found to be independent predictors of postoperative hypocalcemia.Conclusion: Age is significantly associated with postoperative hypocalcemia. Younger patients should be more carefully evaluated before discharge.