Which of the following is the MOST common long-term complication of total thyroidectomy when performed by experienced surgeons?

• A Hypoparathyroidism ✓
• B Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy
• C Superior laryngeal nerve injury
• D Postoperative hematoma

Explanation

Hypoparathyroidism is the most common long-term complication of total thyroidectomy, with transient hypocalcemia occurring in 20-30% and permanent hypoparathyroidism in 1-3% of cases in experienced hands. RLN palsy occurs in less than 1-2% permanently. Postoperative hematoma occurs in less than 1%. SLN injury is underdiagnosed but hypoparathyroidism is consistently the most common long-term complication.

Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 28th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.