Post-surgical hypoparathyroidism

Post-surgical hypoparathyroidism remains the most frequent permanent complication following total thyroidectomy and central neck dissection, resulting from devascularization or inadvertent excision of the parathyroid glands. Management centers on distinguishing transient insufficiency from chronic hypoparathyroidism via early postoperative intact PTH and ionized calcium kinetics. Long-term therapy requires calcitriol and oral calcium titration to maintain serum calcium in the low-normal range, preventing neuromuscular irritability while mitigating hypercalciuria, nephrolithiasis, and renal impairment. For refractory disease with significant glycemic or renal burden, recombinant human parathyroid hormone replacement provides physiologic calcemic control while reducing exogenous calcium requirements.