Using PTeye to help protect parathyroid glands during total thyroidectomy
Official title: Reducing Post-operative Hypoparathyroidism With Probe-based Near Infrared Autofluorescence (NIRAF)- Assisted Total Thyroidectomy Versus Conventional Total Thyroidectomy, a Randomized-controlled Trial
Run by The University of Hong Kong · NCT07416149 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether using the handheld PTeye device during total thyroidectomy in adults reduces the chance of low blood calcium after surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 210 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 16, 2025 |
| Main results expected | October 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | February 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07416149 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (≥18 years) undergoing total or completion total thyroidectomy with normal preoperative adjusted calcium and not already taking calcium or vitamin D supplements are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with pre-existing parathyroid disease, untreated hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, severe kidney failure (eGFR <30 or on dialysis), or those already on calcium/vitamin D supplements are excluded and unlikely to benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, single-blinded, randomized trial at a tertiary endocrine surgery unit in Hong Kong comparing conventional total thyroidectomy with PTeye-assisted surgery. PTeye is a probe-based near-infrared autofluorescence device used early in the operation to identify parathyroid glands by a quick touch of the probe. Consecutive adults undergoing total or completion thyroidectomy with normal preoperative calcium are randomized to PTeye-assisted or conventional surgery and receive usual postoperative care. The study tracks postoperative calcium and parathyroid function to see if PTeye reduces rates of transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, PTeye use could lower rates of temporary and permanent low calcium after thyroid removal, reducing symptoms, hospital stays, and the need for long-term supplements.
How similar studies have gone: Near-infrared autofluorescence devices have shown promise in improving parathyroid identification and reducing transient postoperative low calcium in several studies, though results vary and randomized data specific to PTeye remain limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients ≥18 years of age * Undergoing total thyroidectomy, or completion total thyroidectomy * Pre-operative serum adjusted calcium levels within normal ranges Exclusion Criteria: * Patients on pre-operative calcium or vitamin D supplements * Patients with pre-operative vitamin D deficiency, defined as serum vitamin D\<30nmol/L * Patients with untreated primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism * Patient with known non-surgical hypoparathyroidism diseases * Patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate \<30ml/1.73m2/min, on dialysis, or having a history of kidney transplant
Where it's running
-
Queen Mary Hospital
Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Man Him, Matrix Fung, MBBS
- Email: mmhfung@hku.hk
- Phone: +852 2255 4232
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Can a smart wristband help guide levothyroxine dosing after total thyroidectomy
This study tests whether nighttime heart rate and rhythm data from a wearable can hint if levothyroxine dose is too high or too low before the usual blood tests.
-
NIRAF-guided identification of parathyroids during thyroidectomy
A wearable near-infrared autofluorescence device is being tested to help surgeons find and protect the parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery in adults.
-
Early detection and prevention of symptomatic post-surgical hypoparathyroidism after thyroid surgery
This project tests whether measuring parathyroid hormone earlier after thyroid surgery and starting calcium plus active vitamin D when needed can reduce how many patients develop symptoms from low parathyroid function.
-
Low calcium after thyroid removal
This project will see if clinical, lab, and surgical factors predict low calcium after thyroid surgery in adults treated at Minia University Hospital from 2014–2024.
-
Parathyroid removal to improve mobility in older adults
This project will see if removing an overactive parathyroid gland helps adults aged 60+ with primary hyperparathyroidism regain strength, move better, and be more active.
-
Indapamide to reduce urinary calcium in post-surgical hypoparathyroidism
This trial will test whether taking indapamide once daily for 14 days lowers urinary calcium in adults with chronic post-surgical hypoparathyroidism.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.