In recent years, several studies have shown that permanent hypoparathyroidism has a negative impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, these results could have been affected by short-term follow up, selection bias and confounding factors. The aim of this study was to investigate HRQoL in patients with and without permanent hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy for benign thyroid disease, using a strict definition of permanent hypoparathyroidism and long-term follow up data.

All patients who underwent total thyroidectomy in a region of Sweden between 2005 and 2015 were assessed for eligibility. All eligible patients were invited to participate in the study through a letter on August, 2021. SF-36 v2 was used to compare HRQoL in patients with and without permanent hypoparathyroidism.

Out of 1636 patients, 1483 patients were invited to participate in the study. In total, 716 (48,3%) patients answered the SF-36 v2 questionnaire and were included in the study cohort. Mean follow-up was 10.9 (SD ±3.2) years. Patients with and without permanent hypoparathyroidism did not differ in baseline characteristics, with the exception that patients with permanent hypoparathyroidism were younger. There were no evident differences in HRQoL between the two groups, encompassing all health domains and summary component scores. (p>0.05).

No difference in HRQoL was found when comparing patients with and without permanent hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy for benign thyroid disease on long-term follow up. These results challenge previous findings and underscore the importance of comprehensive, long-term investigations, calling for a more nuanced understanding of the condition's effects on HRQoL.