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Renal clearance of phosphate and calcium in vitamin D-deficient chicks: effect of calcium loading, parathyroidectomy, and parathyroid hormone administration.

Serum and renal clearance values of phosphate and calcium were measured and compared in 4 week-old vitamin D-deficient and vitamin D-replete chickens (Gallus gallus). D-deficient chicks had significantly lower body weights and serum calcium values; however, their renal functions were not different from D-replete controls. Serum calcium values in D-deficient birds did not change in response to parathyroid hormone (PTH) administration; however, they did drop significantly in response to parathyroidectomy (PTX). Serum phosphate values of D-deficient birds, but not D-replete birds, rose significantly after PTX. Clearance of phosphate is known to increase after administration of PTH. This conspicuous effect was absent in PTH-injected vitamin D-deficient chickens. PTX caused the excretion of phosphate to drop in both D-deficient and D-replete birds to near zero. Conversely, PTX of both D-deficient and D-replete chickens stimulated the excretion of more calcium than in controls. Calcium loading elevates the fractional excretion of calcium in both D-deficient and D-replete birds. It also causes a decrease in phosphate excretion in both groups, presumably by inhibiting the secretion of PTH. PTH administration to D-replete, calcium-loaded birds caused increased phosphate excretion (as it did in normal controls), an effect that was not seen in similarly treated D-deficient birds. Therefore, most renal functions studied after calcium loading, PTH administration, or PTX are not altered by vitamin D deficiency in the chicken. The major significant finding is that vitamin D-deficient chickens do not excrete increased amounts of phosphate in response to PTH stimulus.

Animals↗

MR imaging in graft-dependent recurrent hyperparathyroidism after parathyroidectomy and autotransplantation.

The purpose of this study was to compare the value of MR imaging versus sonography in the detection of hyperfunctioning transplanted parathyroid tissue. After parathyroidectomy and autotransplantation of parathyroid tissue to the forearm, 14 patients were examined with sonography and MR imaging. Five of these patients had recurrent hyperparathyroidism. In three of these five, sonography found one echolucent nodule. MR imaging in all three patients detected, in addition to this nodule, other small nodules of hyperplastic parathyroid tissue, which were confirmed intraoperatively. In the other two patients, sonographic and MR imaging findings were negative. Further investigations showed that both patients had a fifth parathyroid gland. In the patients without recurrent hyperparathyroidism, sonography showed scar tissue only, whereas MR imaging found some tiny, contrast-enhancing structures in two patients, probably autograft material. MR imaging seems to be more sensitive than sonography in detecting hyperfunctioning autotransplanted parathyroid tissue.

Adult↗

[Preventive or therapeutic parathyroidectomy in primary hyperparathyroidism].

The only causal treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is parathyroidectomy. There are indications in the literature that despite operation expectation of life is shortened because of an increased frequency of cardiovascular and malignant diseases leading to the recommendation for early surgery even in uncomplicated PHPT. It is easier to convince an asymptomatic patient of an operation when he is informed about complications and consequences of an expectative attitude. Therefore, we reviewed our 71 patients operated upon during a 4-year-interval, 58 of whom were followed-up. During 82 operations 115 pathologically altered parathyroid glands were removed. Two persistent paralyses of the recurrent nerve occurred, however, without alteration of the voice. Follow-up of 82% of patients revealed 2 cases of recurrent nephrolithiasis (1 hypercalcaemia, 1 normocalcaemia). Three (5%) true recurrences were found, but neither a pancreatitis nor a peptic ulcer was noted during long-term follow-up. None of the 137 patients operated for a bleeding or perforated peptic ulcer during the last 10 years and 1 of 55 patients with acute pancreatitis during the past 8 years suffered from a PH-PT. However, morbidity and mortality of these two conditions was high. Although correlation to PHPT was low we recommend early operation of PHPT because of the low morbidity rate, zero lethality and reduced expectation of life.

Adenoma↗

Factors related to the recurrent hyperfunction of autografts after total parathyroidectomy in patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation has been widely accepted as the appropriate treatment for patients with hyperparathyroidism due to chronic renal failure on long term hemodialysis. However, recurrence has been an enigma and therefore, the factors involved in the recurrence of hyperparathyroidism were studied in 128 patients followed for more than 2 years after surgical treatment. The preoperative serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations correlated with the total weights of the parathyroid glands. When the original autotransplanted glands were divided into two groups, being diffuse and nodular, the rate of recurrent hyperparathyroidism due to graft hyperfunction was significantly higher in the patients who received nodular glands (24%) than in those who received diffuse glands (8.4%) (P < 0.05). To investigate whether PTH synthetic activity is different in diffuse and nodular glands, the amount of PTH mRNA was studied by in situ hybridization. There was no significant difference in the amount of PTH mRNA in the cells from either diffuse or nodular glands. These data suggest that the recurrence of hyperparathyroidism is not due to enhanced PTH synthetic activity of autotransplant grafts but to the abnormal growth rate of the transplanted gland.

Adult↗

Tc-99m-MIBI scintigraphy for recurrent hyperparathyroidism after total parathyroidectomy with autograft.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study is to assess the sensitivity of Tc-99m-MIBI for the pre-operative localization of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands in patients with persistent or recurrent hyperparathyroidism (HPT) after total parathyroidectomy (PTX) with autograft. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Tc-99m-MIBI scintigraphy was performed on 7 patients (3 men and 4 women; aged 32 to 62) on hemodialysis with persistent or recurrent HPT after PTX due to secondary hyperparathyroidism. Tc-99m-MIBI of 370 MBq was injected intravenously. Double-phase planar images were acquired at 15 min and 120 min-postinjection. SPECT images of the chest in an early phase were also obtained. RESULTS: All patients underwent surgery after scintigraphy. The enlarged parathyroid grafts were removed in 4 patients. An unusual location of parathyroid hyperplasia was found in 2 patients. In one patient, the abnormal graft coexisted with an ectopic parathyroid in the mediastinal region. Tc-99m-MIBI was able to identify all hyperfunctioning parathyroids correctly (100% sensitivity). In one case, a focus of the increased uptake in SPECT was considered as a false positive. The remnant of ectopic parathyroid in the mediastinum was only detected by SPECT images. CONCLUSION: Tc-99m-MIBI parathyroid scintigraphy is useful for the pre-operative localization of persistent or recurrent HPT following total PTX with autograft.

Adult↗

Renal stones and primary hyperparathyroidism: natural history of renal stone disease after successful parathyroidectomy.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the risk of renal stone recurrence after successful surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). Of 297 consecutive patients with surgically verified pHPT, 151 patients had had renal stone disease; a total of 113 patients were eligible for follow-up; and of these, 107 patients remained normocalcemic during follow-up and formed the study group. The number of new stones were calculated by subtracting the stones present on preoperative urograms from the number of stones on urograms after 1, 3, and 5 years and the number of stones passed or eliminated by intervention. Among 107 patients, 32 (30%) formed one to four new stones within 5 years. This recurrence rate is comparable to the expected recurrence rate in idiopathic stone formers. Primary hyperparathyroidism and renal stone disease are common. As all renal stone formers are screened for pHPT by serum calcium analysis, the two diseases might by coincidence be found in the same patients. A considerable number of patients with pHPT and renal stone disease therefore experience recurrence of their stone disease irrespective of the presence of normocalcemia after successful parathyroidectomy.

Adolescent↗

[Prophylactic parathyroidectomy for familial parathyroid carcinoma].

In contrast to primary hyperparathyroidism, parathyroid carcinoma is a rare disease. In patients with hyperparathyroidism jaw tumor (HPT-JT) syndrome, caused by germline mutations in HRPT2, the development of parathyroid carcinoma is estimated to be 10-15%. This review summarizes the clinical and molecular genetic data of about 100 patients in the literature and three of our own cases. Unfortunately, osteofibromas, which might enable timely diagnosis of HPT-JT syndrome, occur in only about 30% of patients; about 80% have uniglandular disease. Based on the current data, a general recommendation to perform prophylactic parathyroidectomy cannot be given. However, thorough screening of patients at risk is mandatory. Of note in patients thought to have sporadic parathyroid carcinoma, germline HRPT2 mutations are found in up to 20%. Hence, any patient with parathyroid carcinoma should undergo HRPT2 mutation analysis.

DNA Mutational Analysis↗

[Radio-guided parathyroidectomy: successful intraoperative parathyroid localization diagnosis with 99mTc-sestamibi in primary and recurrent hyperparathyroidism].

INTRODUCTION: In addition to ultrasonography, CT scan, MRI and venous sampling, 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy has gained increasing acceptance in preoperative localization of abnormal parathyroid tissue. The sensitivity of this radionuclide method is 87% in primary (p), 58% in secondary (s), and 75% in recurrent hyperparathyroidism (HPT). This study evaluated the use of intraoperative nuclear mapping in patients with HPT. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed in 24 patients with HPT (18 p, 4 s, 2 recurrent) undergoing a technetium-sestamibi-guided neck exploration during an 18-months period. Abnormal parathyroid tissue was localized using an intraoperative gamma probe detector 2 h after application of 700 MBq 99mTc-sestamibi and verified by pathology. RESULTS: Intraoperative nuclear mapping identified 15 of 18 adenomas in patients with pHPT. The target-to-background ratio was 1.3 to 4.1 in these patients compared to 1.0 to 1.2 in undetected adenomas. In 67% of these patients we performed a minimally invasive open parathyroidectomy. In two cases of recurrent HPT the scan-guided detection of ectopic parathyroid tissue was efficient. In contrast, the method was less helpful in four patients with multiglandular disease. CONCLUSION: The intraoperative use of a gamma probe detector is highly effective in identifying parathyroid adenomas in pHPT and recurrent HPT and supports minimally invasive techniques.

Adenoma↗

Short- and long-term changes in bone mineral density of the lumbar spine after parathyroidectomy in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

The aims of this study were (1) to analyze whether correlations exist between lumbar spine (LS) bone mineral density (BMD) and the main preoperative biochemical parameters in a large population of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT); and (2) to evaluate the LS-BMD changes after parathyroidectomy (PTx) at long-term follow-up. Sixty-two patients (median age 57 years, range 23-82 years) with confirmed primary HPT underwent LS osteodensitometry by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry with BMD measurements at the L2-L4 region before surgery and at 1 year and 2 years after successful PTx. Three groups of patients were considered: Group A (men, n = 14, 22.6%), Group B (premenopausal women, n = 12, 19.3%), and Group C (postmenopausal women, n = 36, 58.1%). There were no linear correlations (P = NS) among the main biochemical parameters, the age of the patients, and their baseline LS-BMD values that were significantly (P < 0.01) lower in Group C patients. At 2-year follow-up the LS-BMD improved by 13.0%, 11.5%, and 11.7% in Groups A, B, and C, respectively (P = NS). In order to compare groups with the same linear relationship between age and LS-BMD, a subgroup of postmenopausal patients aged < or = 60 years (Group C2) was considered. ANOVA showed that the improvement of the LS-BMD at 1- and 2-year follow-up was higher (P = 0.002) in Group B than in Group C2 patients. The result was confirmed by using the Mann-Whitney U-test (P = 0.0078). Improvement of LS-BMD after successful PTx was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in premenopausal women, suggesting a possible role of estrogen hormone in complete bone remodeling.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Thirty cases of concurrent Paget's disease and primary hyperparathyroidism: sex distribution, histomorphometry, and prediction of the skeletal response to parathyroidectomy.

Studies of the effect of parathyroidectomy (PTX) on bone turnover in patients with the combination of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and Paget's disease (PD) are largely limited to case reports. The etiology of the combination is disputed. We report 30 patients and their biochemical (n = 17) and histomorphometric (n = 4) responses to PTX in 18. All 18 patients except one had a post-PTX fall in plasma alkaline phosphatase (pAP). There was a significant positive correlation between the degree of post-PTX fall in pAP and both the preoperative plasma total corrected calcium (CaC) (P < 0.01) and serum ionized calcium (P < 0.05). For the patients with CaC levels >3.0 mmol/liter, the mean % fall in pAP was 68% of pretreatment (to 32%). For those with CaC levels >/=2.68 mmol/liter the fall in pAP was >18%. Of 12 literature cases treated by PTX and followed up, 11 had a postoperative fall in pAP (range 6-83%). Pretreatment bone biopsies (n = 6) could not be distinguished from uncomplicated PD. No significant histomorphometric changes were documented postoperatively in the four patients studied; however, % fibrotic surfaces declined in each of the four. Of the 18 patients, only one had radiologic subperiosteal erosions preoperatively; none had clinical tetany postoperatively-thus distinguishing this combination of diseases from severe PHPT bone disease-a situation easily biochemically confused with this combination. The sex distribution of 2.75:1 F/M in this series resembles reported ratios in pure PHPT of 2.37:1, unlike the ratios found in pure PD (0.49-1.01:1). The prevalence of PHPT in PD is 2.2-6.0% (mean 4.4%) in 1836 patients. In our series, 73% of patients with both diseases were females >60 years of age. In population studies >60 years, PHPT was present in 3% of women and 1% of men. Hypercalcemia in PD is frequently attributed to immobilization. As part of this study, we examined 184 patients referred with PD for the existence of, and cause of hypercalcemia. Of this group, 21 were hypercalcemic, 19 (90%) of whom had PHPT; none had immobilization hypercalcemia. In patients with both disorders, the indications for PTX should include the potential post-PTX improvement in pagetic biochemistry and symptoms. The sex distribution (resembling pure PHPT) and the similar prevalence of PHPT in Paget's, and in the elderly population, support the likelihood, in most cases, that these two common diseases are associated by chance.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Potential role of a new hand-held miniature gamma camera in performing minimally invasive parathyroidectomy.

PURPOSE: Sestamibi scans have increased the use of minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) to treat primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) when caused by a parathyroid single adenoma. The greatest concern for surgeons remains the proper identification of pathological glands in a limited surgical field. We have studied the usefulness of a new hand-held miniature gamma camera (MGC) when used intraoperatively to locate parathyroid adenomas. To our knowledge this is the first report published on this subject in the scientific literature. METHODS: Five patients with PHPT secondary to a single adenoma, positively diagnosed by preoperative sestamibi scans, underwent a MIP. A gamma probe for radioguided surgery and the new hand-held MGC were used consecutively to locate the pathological glands. This new MGC has a module composed of a high-resolution interchangeable collimator and a CsI(Na) scintillating crystal. It has dimensions of around 15 cmx8 cmx9 cm and weighs 1 kg. The intraoperative assay of PTH (ioPTH) was used to confirm the complete resection of pathological tissue. RESULTS: All cases were operated on successfully by a MIP. The ioPTH confirmed the excision of all pathological tissues. The MGC proved its usefulness in all patients, even in a difficult case in which the first attempt with the gamma probe failed. In all cases it offered real-time accurate intraoperative images. CONCLUSION: The hand-held MGC is a useful instrument in MIP for PHPT. It may be used to complement the standard tools used to date, or may even replace them, at least in selected cases of single adenomas.

Adenoma↗

Subtotal parathyroidectomy in renal failure: still needed after all these years.

There are scant data on the frequency of parathyroidectomy (PTX) for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Medical therapy for ESRD and secondary hyperparathyroidism has evolved to include better dialytic urea removal and the use of calcitriol. The aim of this study was to determine whether medical therapy has changed the frequency or indications for PTX in the management of renal failure. Hospital and clinic records were analyzed to gather information on all patients undergoing PTX for secondary hyperparathyroidism (2HPT) (n = 48) and tertiary hyperparathyroidism (3HPT) (n = 26) from 1986 through 1998 at our institution. Prospective computer databases were queried for information concerning both chronic dialysis and renal transplant patients at our center. The patients were divided based on date of operation before or after 1991, a divider that separated the patients into groups before or after the widespread adoption of intravenous calcitriol treatment during hemodialysis at our institution. Over the 12 year period, the proportion of our chronic dialysis patients undergoing PTX did not change significantly, ranging from 0% to 2.5% per year. Comparing all patients undergoing PTX for 2HPT during 1986-1991 versus 1992-1998, there was no significant difference in time on dialysis [7.0 +/- 4.2 (n = 11) vs. 7.5 +/- 4.6 (n = 36) years, mean +/- SD]. The later group had higher intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels [765 +/- 415 (n = 6) vs. 1377 +/- 636 (n = 28) pg/ml; p = 0.03], lower serum calcium [11.2 +/- 1.0 (n = 12) vs. 9.9 +/- 1.5 (n = 34) mg/dl; p = 0.006], and higher serum phosphate [5.7 +/- 1.6 (n = 12) vs. 7.2 +/- 2.3 (n = 31) mg/dl; p = 0.042]. Among the population of patients with transplants undergoing PTX for 3HPT, the average percent per year undergoing PTX ranged from 0% to 4.2% and did not change during the study period. Comparing the 1986-1991 group to the 1992-1998 group, the time from transplantation to PTX did not change during the study period (3.3 +/- 2.3 vs. 2.9 +/- 3.0 years; p = 0.391), and there were no significant differences between preoperative calcium levels or iPTH levels. Despite advances in dialysis technique and pharmacologic therapy, there has been no change in the proportion of dialysis patients requiring PTX for 2HPT or 3HPT. There was also no change in the time on dialysis for patients with 2HPT or the time from transplant to PTX for patients with 3HPT. Analysis of preoperative biochemical markers as evidence of disease severity suggests there was no change in indications for PTX during our study. From this information we conclude that parathyroid pathophysiology is incompletely understood and medical therapy is not optimal, resulting in a continuing need for PTX in some patients.

Adult↗

Cases with fewer than four parathyroid glands in patients with renal hyperparathyroidism at initial parathyroidectomy.

In the surgical treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism (2HPT) due to uremia, it is considered necessary to remove all parathyroid glands from the neck to prevent persistent and recurrent parathyroid hyperfunction. However, in some cases fewer than four parathyroid glands can be recognized at initial operation; in the present study, we evaluated the long-term prognosis and estimated surgical strategy in such cases. Between March 1981 and January 1999, 822 patients underwent total parathyroidectomy (PTx) with forearm autograft for advanced 2HPT at the Department of Transplant Surgery of Nagoya Second Red Cross Hospital. In 21 cases (2.6%) fewer than four parathyroid glands were macroscopically found at the initial operation. These cases were followed up and their parathyroid function was evaluated by measurement of intact parathyroid hormone (PTH). In 20 of the 21 cases three glands were found, in 1 patient only two glands. In 5 of these cases the fourth gland was identified first after postoperative histopathologic evaluation. In all these cases the intact PTH level was normalized. In 8 of the remaining 16 cases high PTH levels persisted after the initial operation, including 3 patients who underwent neck reexploration. However, in the other 7 patients PTH levels dropped within normal range immediately after PTx and a fourth gland has never been recognized. One patient was lost to follow-up. Thus, using our operative strategy, 12 of 822 cases (0.85%) did not develop persistent or recurrent HPT even though only three glands were identified at the operation. To avoid postoperative hypoparathyroidism, autotransplantation should be performed when fewer than four parathyroid glands are found at the initial operation.

Adult↗

Endoscopic lateral approach thyroid lobectomy: safe evolution from endoscopic parathyroidectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic thyroid surgery has been shown to be feasible. Most minimal access procedures have been performed via a midline approach. Based on our experience of more than 500 endoscopic parathyroidectomies via a lateral approach we have used the same method for thyroid lobectomy. METHODS: We present our experience of endoscopic thyroid lobectomy via a lateral approach (ETLA) and review of the results over a 1-year period (2004). Inclusion criteria for ETLA were (1) solitary nodule with atypical/suspicious fine-needle biopsy (FNB) or solitary toxic nodule; (2) lesions with a diameter of < 3 cm. Patients with a history of previous neck surgery or radiation exposure were excluded. All patients underwent postoperative vocal cord checks and plasma calcium evaluation. RESULTS: A total of 742 thyroid procedures were performed during 2004. Among them, 38 patients (5.1%) underwent ETLA. Indications for surgery were suspicious FNB results (36 patients) and a toxic nodule (2 patients). Mean nodule size was 19.2 mm. Mean +/- SD operating time was 102 +/- 27 minutes. All recurrent laryngeal nerves were identified (including one that was nonrecurrent). Of the 38 patients, the superior parathyroid gland was identified in 36 and the inferior parathyroid gland in 33. There were two conversions due to difficulty with the dissection. Two operations were converted because malignancy was diagnosed on frozen section examination. Two patients underwent a delayed completion thyroidectomy when definitive histology necessitated it. There were no permanent operative complications, and all patients were discharged on the first postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS: ETLA offers excellent intraoperative visualization of the vital structures and is a safe alternative to conventional thyroid lobectomy in selected cases.

Adult↗

Calciphylaxis: a rare complication of patients who required parathyroidectomy for advanced renal hyperparathyroidism.

Calciphylaxis is a relatively rare but life-threatening complication in uremic patients. Clinical findings and prognosis were evaluated in six patients who developed calciphylaxis from a group of 1499 patients who underwent parathyroidectomy (PTx) for advanced renal hyperparathyroidism (HPT) in our department from July 1972 to July 2003. The frequency of calciphylaxis was 0.40% (6/1499). Two patients were women and four were men. The mean age was 50.5 years, and the mean duration of hemodialysis (HD) treatment was 14.0 years. In five of six patients, calciphylaxis was classified as distal type; in one case, as proximal type. In three patients, calciphylaxis was diagnosed at the time for PTx. In two patients, calciphylaxis was identified after PTx, although the serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) level was within the appropriate range for dialysis patients. In two patients, calciphylaxis improved after PTx, but two patients required leg and toe amputations after PTx. In one patient with the proximal type of calciphylaxis, the condition occurred when a high PTH level recurred after the initial PTx. The patient died as a result of a serious infection due to uncontrollable skin ulcers. Calciphylaxis is a rare complication in patients who require PTx for renal HPT. Especially the proximal type has a poor prognosis. High levels of the Ca x P product and/or PTH are risk factors. Therefore, this syndrome should be kept in mind and attention should be paid to reduce risk factors. It is important that PTx being performed at the right time in patients with advanced renal HPT refractory to medical treatment.

Adult↗

Unexpected results using rapid intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring during parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism.

Rapid intraoperative parathyroid hormone (RIOPTH) monitoring predicts complete removal of all hypersecreting tissue by means of a significant parathyroid hormone (PTH) decrease. In this study we have tried to provide an explanation for some unexpected results of RIOPTH monitoring observed during a series of 125 conventional parathyroidectomies for primary hyperthyroidism, discussing the possible consequences on the surgical strategy. Three main groups can be recognized: (1) spikes: a PTH increase 10 minutes after removal of the diseased gland was observed in three patients; (2) false-negative results: six patients showed an inadequate PTH decreases at 10 minutes, three of them resulting in cure at 20 minutes (all six patients were cured at follow-up); (3) false-positive results: five patients with multiglandular disease showed a PTH decrease to a cure level despite excision of one adenoma only (in two of these patients a 20-minute sample showed a PTH increase soon after manipulation of the second adenoma). We concluded that the spike, almost certainly a consequence of manipulating the adenoma, when detected should be considered the "true" baseline value. False-negative results are to some extent related to undetected spikes. The assay used for RIOPTH determination and PTH half-life variability may also play a role. A false-negative result usually prolongs the surgical time. False-positive results are usually related to a double adenoma, one functionally prevailing over the other. Because in our experience manipulation of the second adenoma brought a PTH increase detected with RIOPTH monitoring, we believe that the second adenoma should be excised.

Aged↗

Minimal incision parathyroidectomy: cure, cosmesis, and cost.

The goals of operative treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism are (1) cure; (2) minimal invasion; and (3) cost-effectiveness. The optimal strategy is controversial. Retrospective review of was undertaken 66 previously unoperated patients having minimal-incision, full-neck exploration by one surgeon over 29 months. A group of 51 women and 15 men had open full neck exploration under general anesthesia through a small (25-40 mm) incision using specifically selected instruments; patients remained hospitalized overnight. Preoperative sestamibi scans were obtained before referral for 17 patients: 11 had localized disease, and 6 did not (65% sensitivity). Four parathyroid glands were identified in 98% of patients; intraoperative frozen section was used selectively on a median of one gland per patient. About 76% of patients had single-gland disease, 6% had two-gland disease, and 18% had four-gland hyperplasia. One patient had four normal cervical parathyroid glands and an aortopulmonary window parathyroid adenoma resected at thoracotomy 1 week later; preoperative sestamibi scans failed to localize his disease. There were no nerve injuries and a 98% cure rate after initial cervical exploration. Excluding the cost of the sestamibi scans, there was no difference between those who had preoperative localization and those who did not; 60% of hospital costs were operating room time-related. Minimal-incision parathyroidectomy is effective for curing hyperparathyroidism and has excellent cosmetic results with negligible scar. Preoperative sestamibi scanning had no impact on cure or treatment costs. Strategies to improve cost-effectiveness must address the substantial costs of anesthesia and operating room services.

Adult↗

Minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy--selective approach to localized single gland adenoma.

BACKGROUND: The valid operative standard for primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) consists of cervicotomy and presentation of all parathyroid glands. This operative technique features the macroscopic identification of the responsible adenoma. It also has the advantage of detecting multiglandular disease. The increasing sensitivity of preoperative localization methods and the possibility of intra-operative measurement of parathyroid hormone prepared the way for minimally invasive procedures. METHODS: All patients with pHPT were examined by cervical sonography and sestamibi scintigraphy of the parathyroid glands. Patients eligible for the described procedure had to comply to the following inclusion criteria: biochemical evidence of pHPT, localization of one unequivocally enlarged parathyroid gland on two corresponding imaging results; no former surgery or radiation to the neck; no multinodular goiter; no suspected carcinoma of the thyroid; and no secondary or recurrent hyperparathyroidism. We used an operative technique first described by Miccoli in 1997. Before preparation and at 2, 10 and 15 min after exstirpation of the parathyroid adenoma, peripheral blood was drawn. The operation was terminated when a 50% decrease of preoperative PTH levels was reached. RESULTS: During a 12-month period (1 December 1997 to 30 November 1998), 13 patients with pHPT of a total of 59 patients (22%) with hyperparathyroidism (pHPT and sHPT) were operated on employing this minimally invasive procedure. In three patients, the operative technique had to be converted to the conventional procedure due to superior adenomas in two cases and a dorsoesophageal adenoma in one case. The procedure could thus be successfully completed in ten patients. The overall failure rate was zero in all patients with regard to the underlying disease. There was one temporary, recurrent laryngeal-nerve palsy. The mean overall length of the hospital stay was 3 days. CONCLUSION: The minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy for localized single-gland adenoma is a new and attractive surgical therapy option for primary hyperparathyroidism due to improved patient comfort, shortened length of hospital stay and favorable cosmetic results. This may lead to one-day surgery and, therefore, to a reduction of overall costs.

Adenoma↗