Background: Hypocalcaemia causing transient or definitive hypoparathyroidism is the most frequent complication following thyroidectomy. We aimed to assess the pre–op and post op serum calcium levels in patients undergoing total/ near total thyroidectomy.

Method:A prospective review of retrospectively collected data was analyzed to study the post–operative hypocalcaemia in patients undergoing total/ near total thyroidectomy.

Results:The post–operative mean corrected calcium level at 6, 12 and 24 hours after thyroidectomy was 8.37 mg/dl, 8.47 mg/dl and 8.77 mg/dl respectively with the nadir for hypocalcaemia occurringat 24 hours post operatively. Post–operative hypocalcaemia had a female preponderance.

Conclusion:Post–operative hypocalcaemia is one of a dreaded     complications of hypothyroidism. Meticulous attempts at surgery to identify and preserve the parathyroid must be made. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the post–operative morbidity and mortality associated with hypocalcaemia.