Introduction
hypoparathyroidism
POSTOPERATIVE HYPOPARATHYROIDISM, HYPOPARATHYROIDISM, COMPLICATIONS
Temporary and permanent hypoparathyroidism are arguably the most common and important complications after total thyroidectomy. National studiesThe use of near-infrared (NIR) autofluorescence was introduced a decade ago, and proposed as a means of identification and protection of the parathyroid glands during thyroid surgeryA few RCTs have been performed with the use of NIR autofluorescenceThe present multicentre RCT was conducted in four centres in four European countries. The aim was to investigate whether the use of autofluorescence to detect the parathyroid glands during total thyroidectomy reduced the risk of postoperative hypoparathyroidism, defined by a low level of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on the day after surgery.