Using special imaging techniques to prevent low calcium levels after thyroid surgery

The Use of Autofluorescence and Indocyanine Green to Avoid Hypocalcemia After Total Thyroidectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

PHASE3 · Onze Lieve Vrouw Hospital · NCT05117853

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

PhasePHASE3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOnze Lieve Vrouw Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Aalst)
Trial IDNCT05117853 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adult patients undergoing total thyroidectomy without prior neck surgery.

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.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Aalst

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Thyroid Disease, Hypoparathyroidism Postprocedural

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.