Background: Hypocalcemia is a frequent complication in patients undergoing thyroid surgery.It compromises the patient's quality of life and increases hospitalization time, costs and mortality.The use of predictive factors to diagnose post-surgical hypocalcemia, allows early management, avoids complications and reduces treatment cost. Methods:The MEDLINE/Pubmed and EMBASE databases were searched on May 2017.Meta-analysis, systematic reviews, observational studies and narrative reviews were included.The search was strengthened by reviewing the list of references of the selected publications and determining the relevant sources to be included manually in this publication. Results:To assess patients for hypoparathyroidism, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), total serum calcium (TSC) and albumin levels, should be measured during the first 24 hours after the surgery.Patients can be classified into three groups: low-risk, medium/indeterminate risk, and high-risk.Initiating prophylactic oral elemental calcium, the first day after surgery can reduce the incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia, the length of hospital stay and the need for parenteral calcium.need for parenteral calcium.The prescription of vitamina D (VD) is also recommended. Conclusion:Hypocalcemia secondary to hypoparathyroidism, is a frequent complication after thyroidectomy.Early diagnosis by assessing predictive factors can prevent hypocalcemia and decrease mobility and mortality.Early evaluation of iPTH and corrected serum calcium (CSC) after neck surgery, are the most appropriate tests to diagnose transitory and permanent hypoparathyroidism. SummaryHypocalcemia is a frequent complication in patients undergoing thyroid surgery.It increases the hospitalized time and costs, decreasing the quality of life and the risk of death.Recommendations are given for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of hypoparathyroidism in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy.