The Association of Discolored Parathyroid Glands and Hypoparathyroidism Following Total Thyroidectomy

Background It remains uncertain whether a parathyroid gland (PG) that appears darkened or severely bruised but still has an attached vascular pedicle should be left in situ or taken out and auto-transplanted following total thyroidectomy. Our study aimed to examine the impact of discolored PGs (DPGs) on short- and long-term hypoparathyroidism. Methods One hundred and three patients who underwent total thyroidectomy with 4 clearly identified PGs were analyzed. Location (superior/inferior) and color of each PG were recorded. Patients without DPG were grouped into I while those with 1–2 DPGs and ≥3 DPGs were grouped into II and III, respectively. Transient hypoparathyroidism meant adjusted Ca 6 weeks. Permanent hypoparathyroidism meant supplements ≥1 year. Results Relative to I, group III had greater adjusted Ca drop at postoperative 1-h ( p = 0.012), 24-h ( p