The Use of Dexamethasone in Total Thyroidectomy to Improve Voice Outcome and Hypocalcaemia
Status:
Not yet recruiting
Trial end date:
2025-03-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Thyroidectomy is a standard procedure for benign and malignant pathologies of the thyroid
gland. Each year, some 100 total thyroidectomies are performed in Kowloon East Cluster,
Hospital Authority, Hong Kong. Total thyroidectomy is associated with voice dysfunction and
temporary hypocalcaemia in up to 80% and 50%, respectively. Previous study from our institute
showed a 3% rate of permanent vocal cord palsy and 16% of permanent hypoparathyroidism
requiring calcium and/or vitamin D supplements. The use of dexamethasone has been studied in
the past in total thyroidectomy patients and has been shown to be safe and effective in
improving post-operative nausea and vomiting. No complications or drug related side effects
were associated with a single dose of steroid. Recent studies have also shown that
Dexamethasone is effective in improving voice outcome and hypocalcaemia in thyroidectomy
patients. The investigators aim to study the effect of Dexamethasone in post-operative voice
outcome and hypocalcaemia. Objective assessment of the vocal cords during phonation will be
performed pre-operative and post-operatively. Serum Calcium level will be monitored.
Phase:
Phase 2
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Hong Kong
Collaborators:
CHAN, Shun Yan, Consultant, Department of Surgery, Tseung Kwan O Hospital CHAN, Ying Kuen Jason, Associate Professor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong CHOW, Tam Lin, Chief of Service, Department of Surgery, United Christian Hospital Esther POON, Department Manager of Speech Therapy Department, Kowloon East Cluster, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong LIM, Huey Sing, Chief of Service, Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, United Christian Hospital TSE, Kin Chung, Consultant, Department of Anaesthesia & Operating Theatre Services, Tseung Kwan O Hospital