Using special imaging techniques to prevent low calcium levels after thyroid surgery
Official title: The Use of Autofluorescence and Indocyanine Green to Avoid Hypocalcemia After Total Thyroidectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Run by Onze Lieve Vrouw Hospital · NCT05117853 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study is testing if special imaging techniques during thyroid surgery can help doctors find and protect important glands to prevent low calcium levels after the operation.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Onze Lieve Vrouw Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Aalst) |
| Trial ID | NCT05117853 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adult patients undergoing total thyroidectomy without prior neck surgery.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have had previous neck surgery or those requiring lymph node dissections for thyroid cancer may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of autofluorescence and indocyanine green injection during total thyroidectomy to identify and preserve parathyroid glands, which are crucial for preventing postoperative hypocalcemia. The study aims to determine if these imaging techniques can enhance the detection of parathyroid glands and their vascular supply, thereby reducing the incidence of low calcium levels after surgery. By comparing outcomes in patients receiving these interventions against standard visual identification methods, the trial seeks to provide evidence for improved surgical practices in thyroid procedures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the rates of hypocalcemia following thyroid surgery, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of autofluorescence and indocyanine green is gaining interest, this specific combination in thyroid surgery is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * All adult patients undergoing a total thyroidectomy without previous neck surgery. Exclusion Criteria: * Children and teenagers (\<18 years old) * Patients refusing participation or unable/unwilling to sign the informed consent * Patients with a completion thyroidectomy * Patients with planned central and lateral neck lymph node dissections (thyroid cancer) * Patients with previous neck surgery * Patients with a known allergy/hypersensitivity to indocyanine green
Where it's running
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Onze Lieve Vrouw Hospital
Aalst, Belgium Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Klaas Van Den Heede, MD
- Email: klaasvandenheede@hotmail.com
- Phone: 0032472893861
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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.