Risks of Hypoparathyroidism After Total Thyroidectomy in Children: A 21-Year Experience in a High-Volume Cancer Center.

Retrospective study of 184 pediatric total thyroidectomies identifies central neck dissection and gross extrathyroidal extension as major risk factors for hypoparathyroidism, occurring in 36% of patients. Younger children undergoing central neck dissection face higher risk, emphasizing need for meticulous parathyroid preservation and postoperative calcium monitoring.