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    Factors predicting outcome of hypocalcaemia following total thyroidectomy

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    Postoperative hypocalcaemia is often observed after total thyroidectomy. In patients requiring calcium replacement therapy after 1 year, hypocalcaemia must be considered permanent. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of hypocalcaemia following total thyroidectomy and to evaluate the risk factors predicting delayed outcome such as hypoparathyroidism. From January 1998 to September 2001, 310 patients underwent total thyroidectomy in our department. In a total of 37 patients experiencing hypocalcaemia, the authors carried out a comparative study of 34 patients with transient hypocalcaemia (group A) and 3 patients with permanent hypocalcaemia (group B). The incidences of transient and permanent hypocalcaemia were 11.9% and 0.9%, respectively. Central neck lymph-node dissection performed in cases of thyroid carcinoma correlated with permanent hypoparathyroidism. The most significant factors predicting long-term outcome of hypocalcaemia were low serum calcium levels (< 8 mg/dl) and high serum phosphorus levels (> 5 mg/dl) measured on postoperative day 7, despite oral calcium replacement. The indications for lymph-node dissection in the central neck area should be very strictly selected. When delayed serum calcium and phosphorus levels are unfavourable, thorough follow-up of patients is mandatory in order to administer the correct therapy and prevent the consequences of chronic hypocalcaemia

    Coexisting Hashimoto's thyroiditis with differentiated thyroid cancer and benign thyroid diseases: indications for thyroidectomy.

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    Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a medical disease that affects about 5% of the population. In cases of goitre, hashitoxicosis or associated differentiated thyroid cancer, surgical treatment is recommended. The aim of this study was to evaluate the indications for thyroidectomy in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the frequency of coexistence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and differentiated thyroid cancer, and the impact of Hashimoto's thyroiditis on the management of differentiated thyroid cancer. From January 1998 to May 2002, 344 patients underwent thyroidectomy in our department. Among 44 patients with HT, the authors carried out a retrospective comparative study of 33 patients with a cytological diagnosis of differentiated thyroid cancer (group A) and 11 patients with non-neoplastic conditions (group B). Surgical indications based on cytological findings and management characteristics were considered. The frequency of the association of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and differentiated thyroid cancer was 23.8% as compared to a 6.7% frequency of coexisting Hashimoto's thyroiditis and benign thyroid diseases (P = 0.000). The sensitivity of cytology in the diagnosis of papillary carcinoma in Hashimoto's thyroiditis was 92%. Cytological diagnosis of hyperplastic follicular and hyperplastic Hürthle cell nodules in Hashimoto's thyroiditis was impossible in some cases. Intraoperatively distinguishing between chronic lymph-node reactivity and tumour involvement was difficult, but the morbidity rate was not increased very much by Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In conclusion, an adequate follow up of patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis may permit an early diagnosis of differentiated thyroid cancer and its appropriate management

    Bile leak from the accessory biliary duct following laparascopic cholecystectomy

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    Anatomists and surgeons have described the presence of accessory biliary ducts between the liver and gallbladder. Bile leakage from accessory duct following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is an unusual post-operative complication. Aim of the study was to assess its incidence, the intraoperative methods helpful for notice the anatomical anomaly and the impact of endoscopic procedure as a suitable treatment. From January 1997 to September 2002, 185 patients underwent LC for symptomatic cholelithiasis in our surgical department. Post-operative bile leakage from accessory biliary duct occurred in two patients (1%): one case from the liver bed of gallbladder (duct of Luschka) and one case from an aberrant cholecystohepatic duct entering Hartmann's pouch. One patient underwent open celiotomy because of unavailability of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. The other patient was successfully treated by endoscopic sphincterotomy and nasobiliary tube placement. By careful dissection, accessory ducts were noticed and clipped in three other patients with overall incidence of 2.7%. Meticulous laparoscopic technique aimed to careful recognize all structures during LC is the main policy to contain biliary injury within its nadir incidence. Depending of availability, endoscopic sphincterotomy and nasobiliary drainage allow diagnosis and treatment of bile leakage, preserving the effectiveness of laparoscopic procedure

    Hypocalcemia following total thyroidectomy: early factors predicting long-term outcome.

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    Hypocalcemia following total thyroidectomy (TT) must be considered permanent in patients requiring calcium replacement after one year. The aim of this study was to identify early risk factors predicting long-term outcome of postoperative hypocalcemia. Among 453 patients who underwent TT from January 1998 to May 2003, a cross-sectional study between 44 patients with transient hypocalcemia (9.7%) and 3 patients with permanent hypocalcemia (0.7%) was carried out. Both low serum calcium level (< 8 mg/dl) and high serum phosphorus level (> 4.5 mg/dl), measured on postoperative day 7, were predictive for outcome. Central neck lymph node dissection, performed for thyroid carcinoma, also correlated with outcome. Serum phosphorus level > 4.5 mg/dl on postoperative day 7 resulted the only independent factor predicting permanent hypoparathyroidism. Therefore indication for central dissection would be very strict. When serum phosphorus level is unfavorable a correct replacement therapy is mandatory to prevent the consequences of permanent hypocalcemia
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