Overview
This study aims to compare two different protocols commonly used in the management of post thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism : PTH based calcium repletion and empiric repletion. The investigators aim to compare the quality of life associated with these two protocols in a randomized trial.
Description
Enrolled patients will be randomized in two treatment groups. In group 1, all patients will receive calcium carbonate and calcitriol in the post-operative period, with standardized weaning. In group 2, patients will be prescribed calcium carbonate and calcitriol only if their post-operative PTH dosage is 25% or less of the pre-operative dosage, or if post-operative PTH is inferior to 15.
The Short-Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire (French canadian version) will be used to assess quality of life pre-operatively and at post-op week 1 and 4. Symptoms of hypocalcemia and adverse effects of calcium carbonate and calcitriol will be monitored at week 1 and 4.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Total thyroidectomy or completion hemithyroidectomy
Exclusion Criteria:
- Need for neck dissection
- Unable to fill in questionnaires (intellectual deficit, severe psychiatric disorder, illiterate, does not speak French or English)