| Summary: | Objective:The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of pressure dressing on complications after total thyroidectomy and its correlation with serum calcium levels.Methods:The study involved 112 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy. Patients were randomized into two groups-with and without pressure dressing-and followed prospectively. The calcium levels were measured at 6, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively, respectively. Hypocalcemia was diagnosed when patients were symptomatic or calcium level was below 8.0 mg/dL. Dressing and drain were removed at the 48th hour of postoperatively.Results:No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of age; gender; thyroid gland weight; calcium concentrations at the 6th, 24th, and 48th hours; total drain liquid; and hypocalcemia rates. Postoperative hematoma developed in 7.1% of the cases and was statistically higher in the without-dressing group compared to with-dressing group. Thyroid gland weight was correlated positively with total drain liquid. There was no correlation between thyroid gland weight and total drain liquid level and 6th-, 24th-, and 48th-hour calcium levels.Conclusion:Pressure dressing after total thyroidectomy significantly reduces postoperative hematoma. Postoperative serum calcium levels were slightly higher in the pressure dressing group but not statistically significant.
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