Parathyroid Vascularization During Total Thyroidectomy Using Indocyanine Green Angiography

Postoperative hypoparathyroidism and subsequent hypocalcemia are the most frequent complications after thyroid surgery. The incidence ranges from 19-38%, depending on the definition of hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia. Although the cause of postoperative hypoparathyroidism is multifactorial, one of the most important factors is vascularization of parathyroid glands left in situ that is insufficient or impaired by surgical manipulation. Therefore, one of the goals of thyroid surgery is not only to recognize the parathyroid glands during dissection but also to respect their vascularization in order to preserve well perfused and viable glands. The general objective of this study is to quantitatively assess the vascularization of the parathyroids following total thyroid removal. In particular, the investigators intend to obtain data regarding parathyroid vascularization during total thyroidectomy with indocyanine green angiography. During standard surgery, angiography will be performed using a special camera after having administered intravenously indocyanine green. This technique is used to objectively assess the degree of fluorescence of the parathyroid glands.