Autofluorescence-guided total thyroidectomy significantly reduced immediate and permanent hypoparathyroidism rates in low-volume, nonparathyroid institutions. Introduction of autofluorescence decreased immediate hypoparathyroidism from 37% to 19% and permanent hypoparathyroidism from 32% to 6%, eventually reaching 0%. More parathyroid glands were identified and fewer inadvertently excised with autofluorescence. These findings suggest that the use of autofluorescence in thyroid surgery improves outcomes and matches those of high-volume surgeons.
Multicenter Study by Abood A, Rolighed L (…) Ovesen T et 3 al. in JAMA Netw Open