Journal of the American College of Surgeons
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
A Randomized, Controlled Trial Comparing White-Light with Near-Infrared Autofluorescence for Parathyroid Gland Identification during Total Thyroidectomy.
Parathyroid glands are difficult to identify during total thyroidectomies, and accidental resection can lead to problematic postoperative hypocalcemia. Our main goals were to evaluate the effectiveness of using near-infrared light (NIRL) autofluorescence intraoperatively for parathyroid gland identification and to measure its impact on postoperative hypocalcemia incidence. ⋯ Using NIRL during thyroidectomy increases intraoperative identification of parathyroid glands, enhances their detection before thyroid dissection, and decreases the incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia.