【Abstract】ObjectiveTo discuss how to identify and protect the parathyroid glands (PTGs) and their blood supplies during thyroidectomy. MethodsProtective measure of PTGs and their blood supplies were observed during the operation by eyes, as well as the occurrence of hypoparathyroidism after operation. Patients with syndrome of hypocalcaemia were given calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation until the serum calcium became normal. ResultsThere was no PTG found in 13 cases (13/259), 242 superior PTGs were found which were almost consistently (91.32%) located in the back sides of the thyroid glands and on the level of inferior edge of the thyroid cartilage. The blood supplies of 61 superior PTGs were often (68.85%) from the upper branch of inferior thyroid artery (ITA). Total 426 inferior PTGs were found, and the locations of which were more variable. Approximately 49.77% were located in the inferior 1/3 part of the back sides of the thyroids， 24.88% were positioned immediately to the inferior thyroid, where the ITA branches inserted into the thyroid. The blood supplies of 128 inferior PTGs were also mostly (80.47%) from the inferior branches of ITA system. There was no permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred and hypocalcemia after operation was happened to 27 patients, in which one patient of reoperation was underwent unilateral thyroidectomy, 3 patients were underwent unilateral thyroidectomy and contralateral subtotal thyroidectomy, 4 patients were underwent total thyroidectomy, 7 patients were underwent total thyroidectomy plus bilateral central neck dissection, 11 patients were underwent total thyroidectomy plus unilateral neck dissection, and one patient was underwent total thyroidectomy plus bilateral neck dissection. ConclusionThe blood supplies of PTGs are associated with their locations. The PTGs can be exposed and protected by eyes during operation. To prevent postoperative hypoparathyroidism, the PTGs should be protected in situ through meticulous dissection without
Citation： CHENG Ruochuan,AI Yangqing,DIAO Chang,ZHANG Jianming,SU Yanjun,.. Clinic Investigation of Exposing and Functionally Protecting Parathyroid Glands During Thyroidectomy. CHINESE JOURNAL OF BASES AND CLINICS IN GENERAL SURGERY, 2009, 16(5): 351-355. doi: Copy