Torabi SJ, et al. - Researchers sought to ascertain patient and surgical characteristics that are linked with hypocalcemia prior to discharge (HPTD) in thyroidectomy patients. In a retrospective analysis of the 2016–2017 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, they performed stratification of eligible total thyroidectomy patients into cohorts based on development of HPTD. Among a total of 6,519 identified patients who underwent total thyroidectomy, 450 (6.9%) had HPTD. Female gender, increased operative time and central neck dissection were identified as the predictors associated with an increased incidence of HPTD. However, increased age, obesity, and the use of vessel sealant devices were associated with decreased incidence of HPTD. Delineating risk factors and protective factors for HPTD in total thyroidectomy patients is important in view of the independent association of HPTD with an increased hospitalization length after surgery and an increased 30-day readmission rate.