Graph showing the biochemical response to successful parathyroidectomy.
A significant fall in serum calcium always occurs the day after surgery and, unless the pre-operative calcium is very high, serum calcium levels should descend to the normal range. Mild hypocalcaemia, usually asymptomatic, occurs subsequently and is usually self-limiting. In the presence of bone disease, postoperative hypocalcaemia may be more severe and prolonged.
