Intraoperative Thyroid and Parathyroid Function Monitoring

Abstract

Abstract Thyroid and parathyroid surgeries are performed for a variety of reasons, including cancer and noncancer. Appreciating the anatomic location and normal physiologic function of both the thyroid and parathyroid glands is imperative to appreciate the potential consequences and complications from surgery in this region. There are a number of safeguards that have become common to minimize complications, including monitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and serial measurement of the parathyroid hormone and calcium levels. In both surgeries, good judgment and careful practice are required to achieve the best outcome. Hematoma and bleeding around the airway can result in morbidity and mortality. This chapter highlights perioperative concerns and practices with added focus on physiology and pathophysiologic states.