Abandoning unilateral parathyroidectomy: why we reversed our position after 15,000 parathyroid operations

The Landmark Series: Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Surgery is the only definitive treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). The surgical management of PHPT has evolved over the past several decades in response to the continually growing body of evidence supporting its effectiveness in both symptomatic and asymptomatic disease. As imaging modalities for localization, operative approach, and intraoperative adjuncts, such as intraoperative parathyroid hormone testing, have been optimized, careful evaluation of the timing of parathyroidectomy in relationship to the disease's natural history has been pursued to limit the detrimental end-organ effects of untreated PHPT. Herein, we review select studies examining key aspects of PHPT management fundamental to the practicing surgical oncologist and endocrine surgeon caring for patients with PHPT.

Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Clinical, Biochemical, and Radio-Pathological Profiles of 804 Patients - A Retrospective Study from South India

Introduction

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrine disorder with variable clinical presentation. We intend to describe the clinical, biochemical, and radio-pathological profiles of PHPT patients managed over 13 years from South India.

Methods

We analysed all patients who underwent evaluation and surgery for PHPT from July 2011 to April 2024.

Results

A total of 862 PHPT patients underwent parathyroidectomy, with female preponderance (61.2%). Analysis was done on 804 patients (>20 years of age) excluding adolescent and paediatric age groups. The mean age was 43.8 years. The presentation in decreasing order of frequency was weakness and fatigue (84.2%); bone pain (35%); renal disease (20.8%) in the form of nephrolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis, or renal dysfunction; and neuropsychiatric manifestations (23.8%). Pathological fractures were observed in 4.5%, hypercalcaemic crisis in 2.6% of patients, and 1% had MEN I (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia) syndrome. The mean albumin adjusted serum calcium level was 12.3 ± 1.01 mg/dl, and the median serum PTH level was 338 (80-3864) pg/ml. The sensitivity of the ultrasound neck and 99mTc Sestamibi scan was 97.5% and 98.3%, respectively, with a concordance of 93.4%. 25% underwent bilateral neck exploration and parathyroidectomy. Lesions were ectopic in 20 (2.4%) patients. The mean parathyroid gland weight was 1.45 ± 0.75 g. Histopathology revealed parathyroid adenoma (93.5%), parathyroid hyperplasia (1.6%), and parathyroid carcinoma (2.2%). The cure rate was 99.3%, while three patients had persistent disease. Hungry bone syndrome was observed in 12.1%.

Conclusion

There is a changing trend in the clinical and biochemical profiles of PHPT patients in India to a milder form of the disease. The incidence of parathyroid carcinoma was slightly higher compared to a few other centres in India.

Near-Infrared Autofluorescence or Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone Determination as a Surgical Support Tool in Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Too Close to Call?

Background: This study investigates the use of near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIFI) as an alternative to intraoperative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) measurement in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) due to parathyroid adenoma (PA) with two preoperative imaging examinations in agreement on the position of the altered parathyroid gland. Methods: Fifty patients who underwent minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) from March 2021 to April 2024 were enrolled. MIPs utilised both NIFI and ioPTH, comparing the time to adenoma excision with NIFI against the total surgical time, including ioPTH measurement wait time. Results: Results showed successful MIPs in all patients, with a mean excision time of 44.7 min (SD ± 25.2) and a total procedure time of 85.5 min (SD ± 37.1). The median of the duration of the surgical procedure until adenoma excision was 35.0 min (IQR 38.8), while the median duration of the entire procedure was 74.5 min (IQR 40.5). This difference in medians is statistically significant using the Wilcoxon non-parametric test for paired samples (p < 0.001). The average wait for ioPTH results post-excision was 37 min (SD ± 12.2). Three fluorescence patterns were identified: "cap" (46%), heterogeneous (30%), and homogeneous (24%). Conclusions: If preoperative imaging confirms PA location, NIFI could replace ioPTH reducing surgical time without compromising success rates.

Primary hyperparathyroidism in adults-(Part II) surgical management and postoperative follow-up: Position statement of the Endocrine Society of Australia, The Australian & New Zealand Endocrine Surgeons, and The Australian & New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society

OBJECTIVE

To develop evidence-based recommendations to guide the surgical management and postoperative follow-up of adults with primary hyperparathyroidism.

METHODS

Representatives from relevant Australian and New Zealand Societies used a systematic approach for adaptation of guidelines (ADAPTE) to derive an evidence-informed position statement addressing eight key questions.

RESULTS

Diagnostic imaging does not determine suitability for surgery but can guide the planning of surgery in suitable candidates. First-line imaging includes ultrasound and either parathyroid 4DCT or scintigraphy, depending on local availability and expertise. Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy is appropriate in most patients with concordant imaging. Bilateral neck exploration should be considered in those with discordant/negative imaging findings, multi-gland disease and genetic/familial risk factors. Parathyroid surgery, especially re-operative surgery, has better outcomes in the hands of higher volume surgeons. Neuromonitoring is generally not required for initial surgery but should be considered for re-operative surgery. Following parathyroidectomy, calcium and parathyroid hormone levels should be re-checked in the first 24 h and repeated early if there are risk factors for hypocalcaemia. Eucalcaemia at 6 months is consistent with surgical cure; parathyroid hormone levels do not need to be re-checked in the absence of other clinical indications. Longer-term surveillance of skeletal health is recommended.

CONCLUSIONS

This position statement provides up-to-date guidance on evidence-based best practice surgical and postoperative management of adults with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Bilateral exploration in primary hyperparathyroidism: Double adenoma distribution and biochemical patterns over two decades

BACKGROUND

We investigated if anatomic patterns of abnormal parathyroid glands have ch anged for primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) as atypical biochemical presentation (normohormonal and normocalcemic) has increased.

METHODS

Retrospective review of patients with pHPT who underwent routine bilateral neck exploration.

RESULTS

2762 patients were included. The "late" cohort (2014-2020) exhibited lower preoperative calcium (10.8 vs 11.1 ​mg/dL; P ​= ​0.001) and PTH levels (101 vs. 146 ​pg/mL; P ​= ​0.001) compared to the "early" cohort (2000-2006). Patients with atypical biochemical profiles increased from 25.5% to 31.3% (P ​< ​0.001). The prevalence of single adenoma (SA) decreased (66.1% vs 58.9%, P ​= ​0.02) while the proportion of double adenoma (DA) increased (17.3% vs. 22.6%, P ​< ​0.01). Upper parathyroid adenoma(s) remained the most common finding for SA and DA in both time points.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite changes in patient characteristics, single upper adenoma and bilateral double upper adenomas remain the most common findings for patients with pHPT.

Comparison of endoscopic versus focused parathyroidectomy in surgical management of single-gland primary hyperparathyroidism: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Over recent years, various advanced minimally invasive techniques have been developed for parathyroidectomy, and there was a universal acceptance of these less invasive procedures by surgeons. This study is designed to compare overall outcomes between endoscopic versus focused, single gland parathyroidectomy using intraoperative rapid parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) changes under general anesthesia in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) patients.

METHOD

In this randomized clinical trial, 96 patients diagnosed with PHPT were randomly assigned into two groups endoscopic and focused parathyroidectomy. Baseline clinical and demographical data were collected along with perioperative features. The success rate was evaluated based on ioPTH changes.

RESULTS

The ioPTH levels after five minutes in the endoscopic group were significantly lower than the focused group (P = 0.005). The success rate for endoscopic and the focused method was 95.3% and 77.1% during the first five minutes (P = 0.013) and 100% in both groups after ten minutes. A decrease in parathyroid hormone levels was significant in each group but not between each other. Postoperative calcium levels were significantly lower in the focused method (P = 0.042). The focused group also had a significantly shorter operation time than the endoscopic group (P < 0.001). Patient satisfaction with cosmetic outcome was significantly higher in the endoscopic group compared to the focused group.

CONCLUSION

The endoscopic technique was superior to the unilateral focused neck exploration parathyroidectomy in the management of single-gland PHPT. Influencing aspects included higher postoperative calcium levels, more rapid success achievement, and satisfactory cosmetic outcomes in the endoscopic group. However, patient selection and accurate adenoma localization are vital in this method.

Nerve monitoring in endocrine surgery: Practice patterns differ among surgeons for parathyroidectomy and thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND

It is unknown whether intraoperative nerve monitoring is associated with reduced vocal cord dysfunction after parathyroidectomy. We aimed to investigate intraoperative nerve monitoring use among Collaborative Endocrine Surgery Quality Improvement Program surgeons and factors associated with vocal cord dysfunction after parathyroidectomy.

METHODS

Patients who underwent parathyroidectomy included in the Collaborative Endocrine Surgery Quality Improvement Program (2014-2022) were identified. The annual percent change in parathyroidectomies performed with intraoperative nerve monitoring was calculated using joinpoint regression. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare outcomes between patients undergoing parathyroidectomy with/without intraoperative nerve monitoring. To compare surgeon-specific trends, Collaborative Endocrine Surgery Quality Improvement Program thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy datasets (2014-2021) were combined. Parathyroidectomies performed by surgeons who used intraoperative nerve monitoring consistently in thyroidectomy were identified. Factors associated with intraoperative nerve monitoring were examined using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 9,813 patients underwent parathyroidectomy. Intraoperative nerve monitoring was used in 49% of cases (n = 4,818). There was an increase in parathyroidectomies with intraoperative nerve monitoring from 2014 to 2018 (annual percent change 22.2, P = .01), followed by a plateau (2018-2022 annual percent change -0.66, P = .85). Few patients (0.44%, n = 43) developed vocal cord dysfunction. Vocal cord dysfunction was not associated with intraoperative nerve monitoring (adjusted odds ratio 0.92, P = .75). Whereas 41% (n = 56/138) of surgeons used intraoperative nerve monitoring routinely in parathyroidectomy, 65% (n = 90/138) used it routinely in thyroidectomy. Among surgeons who used intraoperative nerve monitoring routinely in thyroidectomy, only 57% used it routinely in parathyroidectomy; factors associated with intraoperative nerve monitoring during parathyroidectomy included reoperation (adjusted odds ratio 2.51, P < .01), secondary/tertiary hyperparathyroidism (adjusted odds ratio 1.42, P = .02), multiglandular disease (adjusted odds ratio 1.76, P < .001), and non-localized disease (adjusted odds ratio 1.65, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Endocrine surgeons use intraoperative nerve monitoring selectively. Surgeons who routinely use intraoperative nerve monitoring during thyroidectomy are more likely to use it during parathyroidectomy. Future studies should determine who may benefit most from intraoperative nerve monitoring in parathyroidectomy.

Long-term Recurrence Rates After Surgery in Primary Hyperparathyroidism

CONTEXT

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is the most common cause of hypercalcemia, yet long-term (5- and 10-year) recurrence rates after curative surgery have been unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To perform the first systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the long-term recurrence rates of sporadic PHPT after successful parathyroidectomy.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of multiple databases (including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, EBSCO-CINHAL, EMBASE, Ovid, Scopus, and Google Scholar) was performed from each database's inception to January 18, 2023. Observational studies reporting at least 5 years of follow-up data after surgical resection were included. Two reviewers independently screened articles for relevance. Of 5769 articles initially identified, 242 were examined in full-text review and 34 were deemed eligible for inclusion. Two authors independently performed data extraction and study appraisal, using the National Institutes of Health study quality assessment tools.

RESULTS

Of 30 658 participants, 350 patients (1.1%) experienced recurrence after resection. A meta-analysis of proportions was performed to obtain the pooled recurrence rates. The pooled estimate for overall recurrence rate was 1.56% (95% CI 0.96-2.28%; I2 = 91%). The pooled estimates for 5- and 10-year recurrence rate after resection were 0.23% (0.04-0.53%, 19 studies; I2 = 66%) and 1.03% (0.45-1.80%, 14 studies; I2 = 89%), respectively. Sensitivity analyses did not find a statistically significant difference when adjusting for study size, diagnosis, or surgical approach.

CONCLUSION

Approximately 1.56% of sporadic PHPT patients eventually develop recurrence following parathyroidectomy. The initial diagnosis and procedure type does not influence recurrence rates. Consistent long-term follow-up is warranted to help identify recurrent disease.

Selective venous sampling in primary hyperparathyroidism caused by ectopic parathyroid gland: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

As an invasive technique, selective venous sampling (SVS) is considered a useful method to identify a lesion's location to increase the success rate of secondary surgery in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) caused by ectopic parathyroid adenomas.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a case of post-surgical persistent hypercalcemia and elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in a 44-year-old woman with previously undetected parathyroid adenoma. An SVS was then performed for further localization of the adenoma, as other non-invasive methods showed negative results. After SVS, an ectopic adenoma was suspected in the sheath of the left carotid artery, previously considered as a schwannoma, and was pathologically confirmed after the second operation. Postoperatively, the patient's symptoms disappeared and serum levels of PTH and calcium normalized.

CONCLUSIONS

SVS can provide precise diagnosis and accurate positioning before re-operation in patients with pHPT.

Parathyroidectomy trends and surgical trainee parathyroidectomy experience based on the Collaborative Endocrine Surgery Quality Improvement Program (CESQIP) database

BACKGROUND

The parathyroidectomy approach has shifted over the last few decades from routine bilateral to more commonly focused exploration. The purpose of this study is to assess the operative experience in parathyroidectomy for surgical trainees as well as overall parathyroidectomy trends.

METHODS

Data from the Collaborative Endocrine Surgery Quality Improvement Program (CESQIP) were analyzed between 2014 and 2019.

RESULTS

The overall distribution of focused versus bilateral parathyroidectomy remained stable (2014: 54 % focused and 46 % bilateral approach; 2019: 55 % focused and 45 % bilateral). Ninety three percent of procedures involved a trainee (fellow or resident) in 2014, this dropped to 74 % in 2019 (P < 0.005). Fellow involvement decreased significantly from 31 % to 17 % (P < 0.05) over the six-year period.

CONCLUSIONS

Resident exposure to parathyroidectomies mirrored that of practicing endocrine surgeons. This works highlights the opportunities to capture more information regarding the surgical trainee experience in endocrine surgeries.

The utility of intraoperative PTH dosage in primary hyperparathyroidism based on preoperative diagnosis and surgical choice

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the intraoperative PTH (ioPTH) monitoring in the success of parathyroidectomy based on the concordant or indeterminate preoperative imaging studies of localization and the performed surgical choices.

METHODS

Fourthy-seven patients who received parathyroidectomy operations were divided in four groups: concordance of the imaging and ioPTH, concordance of the imaging and no ioPTH, indeterminate imaging and ioPTH and indeterminate imaging and no ioPTH.

RESULTS

Overall, patients in whom ioPTH monitoring was not performed were healed in 89.47% of cases, while the percentage of recovery in patients receiving ioPTH was 85.71%. There were no differences in the changes in strategy or in the cure rates with the use of ioPTH.

CONCLUSIONS

No significant differences were found, independently from the preoperative imaging agreement, in either the cure rate or in the change of intraoperative strategy using the ioPTH dosage.

Surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a hypercalcemic disorder that occurs when one or more parathyroid glands produces excessive parathyroid hormone (PTH). PHPT is typically treated with surgery, and it remains the only definitive therapy, whose techniques have evolved over previous decades. Advances in preoperative localization exams and the intraoperative PTH monitoring have become the cornerstones of recent parathyroidectomy techniques, as minimally invasive techniques are appropriate for most patients. Nevertheless, these techniques, are not suitable for PHPT patients who are at risk for multiglandular disease, especially in those who present with familial forms of PHPT that require bilateral neck exploration. This manuscript also explores other conditions that warrant special consideration during surgical treatment for PHPT: normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism, pregnancy, reoperation for persistent or recurrent PHPT, parathyroid carcinoma, and familial and genetic forms of hyperparathyroidism.

Readability and Quality of Online Health Information Regarding Parathyroidectomy

Objective

Assessment of the readability and quality of online health information regarding parathyroidectomy.

Study Design

Cross-sectional analysis.

Setting

Websites providing patient-oriented health information regarding parathyroidectomy obtained via the Google search engine.

Methods

The top 75 Google search results for “parathyroidectomy,”“parathyroid surgery,” and “parathyroid gland removal” were reviewed. Websites were categorized by website type and country of origin. Readability was assessed by Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook. Website quality was assessed per JAMA benchmark criteria and the DISCERN instrument.

Results

A total of 74 unique websites were evaluated. The mean readability of the assessed websites exceeded the recommended sixth-grade reading level on the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (P < .001). Readability did not vary significantly by website type. Websites originating from the United Kingdom were significantly more readable than those from the United States. The majority of assessed websites were of poor quality (n = 42, 56.8%) on assessment based on the DISCERN instrument. Quality varied significantly by website category on the JAMA benchmark criteria (P < .001) and DISCERN score (P = .049) with commercial websites receiving the highest scores. DISCERN score also varied significantly by country of origin (P = .036) with UK sites receiving highest mean DISCERN scores.

Conclusion

Online health information regarding parathyroidectomy is largely of poor quality and is poorly readable for many patients. Institutions utilizing well-defined guidelines for development of patient educational resources may provide online health information of greater quality and readability.

Persistence of primary hyperparathyroidism: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Parathyroidectomy is the only definitive treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Precise localization of abnormal glands is a key to a successful surgery. Most patients are expected to be successfully treated with focused parathyroidectomy. However, this approach is associated with a risk of existing multiglandular disease which may lead to the postoperative persistence of PHPT.

METHODS

Eight hundred ten patients who underwent an initial surgery for PHPT at SPBU Hospital in 2017-2018 were included in the study. Preoperative imaging results were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regressions were calculated to estimate predictive values of preoperative data for the risk of postoperative persistence and risk of MGD.

RESULTS

Multiglandular disease was found to be a leading cause of persistent hyperparathyroidism. An anamnesis of thyroid surgery was found to be a significant risk factor for the persistence of hyperparathyroidism. The rate of persistence did not differ significantly between groups with bilateral neck exploration and focused parathyroidectomy. Age, sex, body mass index as well as negative results of preoperative US, MIBI, and 4D CT were not independently associated with a higher risk of MGD. All preoperative imaging modalities showed from low to moderate sensitivity for the detection of MGD. The frequency of cases of a missed second adenoma did not differ significantly between patients with concordant and discordant preoperative data. There were 7 cases with previously unsuspected second adenomas found solely due to bilateral neck exploration.

CONCLUSIONS

None of the combination of preoperative visualization modalities was able to rule out the MGD and reliably identify patients for focused parathyroidectomy. Additional preoperative visualization failed to improve overall results. Bilateral neck exploration appeared to have a slight benefit for the patients with concordant preoperative imaging results.

[Role of preoperative visualization in the choice of surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism]

BACKGROUND

Precise localization of abnormal parathyroid glands is important for a successful surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). While a large number of patients can be successfully treated with the focused parathyroidectomy, there is a considerable rate of the persistent PHPT mostly because of undetected multiglandular disease (MGD).

AIM

The aim of the study was to evaluate the meaning of preoperative visualization data for planning the surgery for patients with PHPT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was conducted at SPBU Hospital in 2017-2018. 810 patients who underwent a primary surgery for PHPT were included in the study. Preoperative imaging results were investigated and multivariative logistic regressions were calculated to assess the predictive values of preoperative data. The rate of cases with persistent disease and cases with MGD were compared between patients with different results of preoperative data.

RESULTS

Age, sex, body mass index, negative results of preoperative US, MIBI and 4D CT were not independently associated with the higher risk of multiglandular disease. The larger number of performed preoperative visualization studies were associated with the higher risk of persistence. 37% cases of MGD were not identified preoperatively. There were 7 cases with previously unsuspected second adenomas found only due to bilateral neck exploration.

CONCLUSION

Any combination of preoperative visualization modalities was not able to rule out the MGD reliably. Efficacy of surgical treatment was not associated with the higher number of preoperative studies. Bilateral neck exploration may decrease the rate of the persistent hyperparathyroidism improving the identification of multiglandular disease.

Retrospective analysis of the role of intra-operative parathyroid hormone monitoring during parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism: a single center experience over 2 decades

PURPOSE

Role of intra-operative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) monitoring during parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) has long been debated. Our main goal was to investigate the cure rates of parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism with and without IOPTH monitoring. Our secondary goal was to investigate if operating room time can be saved when IOPTH monitoring is not used.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for PHPT due to a single adenoma between 2004 and 2019 was performed. Cure rates and operating room time were compared.

RESULTS

423 patients were included. IOPTH was used in 248 patients (59%). Four patients were not cured, two from each group, with no significant difference between the groups (98.8% vs. 99.1%, p = 0.725). Surgery time was significantly longer in the IOPTH group, p < 0.001.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no advantage for using IOPTH during parathyroidectomy in suitable clinical settings. The procedure may be safely performed without IOPTH while achieving non-inferior success rates and reducing operative time.

Variation in parathyroid adenoma size in patients with sporadic, primary hyperparathyroidism: small gland size does not preclude single gland disease

PURPOSE

Small, abnormal parathyroid glands are usually associated with multigland hyperplasia in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). The purpose of this study was to determine the association between parathyroid adenoma size and biochemical cure rates in patients undergoing single gland parathyroidectomy.

METHODS

The study included patients with sporadic pHPT who underwent initial parathyroidectomy and met intraoperative PTH criteria for cure after resection of a single adenoma (SGD). Patients were divided into quartiles (Q1 = smallest) based on gland weight and maximum dimension; cure rates were compared across groups.

RESULTS

A single parathyroid adenoma was removed in 517 patients, with a median gland weight of 500 mg (range 50-11890). Median maximum gland dimension was 15 mm (range 5-55). With median follow-up of 28 months (range 6-81), the biochemical cure rate was 97.1%. There was no difference in cure rate by gland weight (Q1 94.6%, Q2 96.9%, Q3 98.4%, Q4 98.5%, p = 0.217) or maximum gland dimension (Q1 95.6%, Q2 97.6%, Q3 97.1%, Q4 98.2%, p = 0.641). When Q1 patients (by gland weight) were divided by quartile, there was no difference in cure rates (93.1% [50-140 mg]; 95.2% [150-190 mg]; 97.1% [200-230 mg]; 93.3% [240-280 mg]; p = 0.665).

CONCLUSION

For patients with pHPT who underwent single gland parathyroidectomy, there was no difference in cure rates by gland weight or maximum dimension. These data suggest that the removal of parathyroid adenomas as small as 50 mg with an appropriate decline in ioPTH likely represent single gland disease and additional exploration may not be necessary.

Diagnostic Performance of 18F-Choline Positron Emission Tomography/Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography in Adenoma Detection in Primary Hyperparathyroidism after Inconclusive Imaging: A Retrospective Study of 215 Patients

Simple Summary

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common pathology. Its curative treatment is based on surgery with precise localisation of the affected parathyroid glands. Our retrospective study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of a novel imaging method called ¹⁸F-choline positron emission tomography/contrast-enhanced computed tomography (PET/ceCT) in adenoma detection after inconclusive imaging. ¹⁸F-choline PET/ceCT presented excellent diagnostic performance as a second-line imaging method. These results confirm its utility, and it could replace Tc99m-sestamibi single photon emission CT/CT as the first-line imaging method in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Abstract

This large, retrospective, single-centre study evaluated the diagnostic performance of ¹⁸F-choline positron emission tomography/contrast-enhanced computed tomography (PET/ceCT) in preoperative parathyroid adenoma detection in primary hyperparathyroidism cases after negative/inconclusive ultrasound or other imaging findings. We included patients who underwent surgery and ¹⁸F-choline PET/ceCT for inconclusive imaging results between 2015 and 2020. We compared the ¹⁸F-choline PET/ceCT results with surgical and histopathological findings and identified the variables influencing the correlation between ¹⁸F-choline PET/ceCT and surgical findings. Of 215 enrolled patients, 269 glands (mean lesion size, 10.9 ± 8.0 mm) were analysed. There were 165 unilocular and 50 multilocular lesions; the mean preoperative calcium level was 2.18 ± 0.19 mmol/L. Among 860 estimated lesions, 219 were classified as true positive, 21 as false positive, and 28 as false negative. The per-lesion sensitivity was 88.66%; specificity, 96.57%; positive predictive value, 91.40%; and negative predictive value, 95.39%. The detection and cure rates were 82.0% and 95.0%, respectively. On univariate and multivariate analyses, the maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax), lesion size, and unilocularity correlated with the pathologic findings of hyperfunctioning glands. ¹⁸F-choline PET/ceCT presents favourable diagnostic performance as a second-line imaging method, with SUVmax, lesion size, and unilocularity predicting a high correlation between the ¹⁸F-choline PET/ceCT and surgical findings.

Long-term Cure of Primary Hyperparathyroidism After Scan-Directed Parathyroidectomy: Outcomes From A UK Endocrine Surgery Unit

BACKGROUND

Two-decades ago, the advent of sestamibi scintigraphy led to an enthusiastic acceptance of minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) in most surgical centres. More recently, concerns have been raised about the efficacy of limited neck exploration and some surgeons proposed bilateral neck exploration to be (once again) the gold standard operation for primary hyperparathyroidism in 2020s.

METHODS

A departmental database was used to identify patients who had MIP after concordant dual localisation with sestamibi scintigraphy and ultrasound scans. Long-term follow-up data were obtained from electronic patient records to ascertain any further treatment for recurrent disease and confirm most recent biochemical status. Patients with negative localisation scans and those with familial disease were excluded from analysis.

RESULTS

Between June 2001 and August 2014 a total of 404 patients (108 M:296F, median age 63 years, range 17-90 years) underwent MIP and had normalisation of calcium in first 6 weeks after the operation. Information on electronic patient records were missing in 14 patients; therefore, data on 390 patients were analysed. During median follow-up of 78 months (IQR: 21.25-111.75 months), 375 patients had normocalcaemia (2.36 mmol/L, IQR: 2.29-2.44 mmol/L) at a median 75 months, (IQR: 20-118 months) after their operation. Overall, 15 (3.85%) patients had biochemical evidence of recurrent disease (2.70 mmol/L IQR: 2.63-2.75 mmol/L) at 92 months (Range: 6-196) after initial operation. Of these, 5 (1.28%) patients underwent a second parathyroid procedure.

CONCLUSION

Recurrence after scan-directed unilateral neck exploration occurred in 4% of patients after a long disease-free interval. Only one patient had recurrent disease within 1-year of primary surgery. The data suggest that bilateral neck exploration at the time of initial operation, in this selected cohort, is unlikely to have uncovered multi-gland disease and prevent disease recurrence. Focused parathyroidectomy in patients with convincing localisation studies should continue.

Intraoperative assessment of parathyroid pathology in sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism: An institutional experience

Intraoperative consultation for assessment of parathyroid tissue is a controversial area of endocrine pathology. This assessment often follows historical institutional and individual surgical practitioner practices rather than documented utility data and adjuvant intraoperative testing data, including intraoperative parathyroid hormone level testing by clinical pathologists and the use of Oil Red O vital stain on frozen tissue sections by anatomic pathologists, as a means of conferring etiology of parathyroid disease. The American Association of Endocrine Surgeons (AAES), in 2016, proposed guidelines for the management of primary hyperparathyroidism, including recommendations for intraoperative consultation, recommending against the use of intraoperative frozen section to determine parathyroid functional status but in support for its use for parathyroid identification. In this series, we review a one-year, retrospective cohort of consecutive parathyroid surgeries at Massachusetts General Hospital, including over 200 cases meeting inclusion criteria for which primary hyperparathyroidism was the indication for surgery, discussing outcomes, compliance with AAES guidelines, and overall utility of intraoperative consultation and adjuvant testing.

A mini-invasive approach is feasible in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and discordant or negative localisation studies

Preoperative localisation of pathological glands in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) is the mainstay for mini-invasive parathyroidectomy. Nevertheless, a not negligible number of patients presents discordant or negative neck ultrasound (US) and ^99mTc-Sestamibi (MIBI) scan. The aim of this study was to assess if a mini-invasive approach is feasible in this kind of patients. In this retrospective study were included patients that underwent parathyroidectomy for PHP. Patients were divided into two groups according to concordance of US and MIBI scan results. 242 patients were included: 183 had concordant preoperative studies, and 59 had discordant or negative studies. A mini-invasive approach was possible in 42 (72.9%) patients with unclear preoperative studies, whereas 12 (20.3%) additional patients required conversion to BNE. The incidence of persistent PHP was higher in patients with unclear preoperative studies (8.5% vs 2.7%), but this difference did not reach a statistical significance (p = 0.121). In patients with unclear preoperative studies, a negative result of intraoperative PTH allowed to avoid a persistent disease in 12 patients, while in 3 cases led to an unnecessary additional exploration. In patients with discordant preoperative studies a mini-invasive approach is feasible; in this setting, the use of intraoperative PTH is mandatory to reduce the incidence of persistent PHP.

Preoperative calcium and parathyroid hormone values are poor predictors of gland volume and multigland disease in primary hyperparathyroidism: A review of 2,000 consecutive patients

OBJECTIVE

Calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) values are thought to have a linear relationship in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and correlate with parathyroid gland size, with higher values predicting single-gland disease. In this modern series, these preoperative values are correlated with operative findings to determine their utility in predicting gland involvement at parathyroid exploration.

METHODS

Two thousand consecutive patients who underwent initial surgery for sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism from 2000 to 2014 were reviewed. All patients underwent a four-gland exploration. Relationships between preoperative calcium and PTH values with per patient total gland volume were examined and stratified by number of involved glands: single adenoma (SA), double adenoma (DA), and hyperplasia (H).

RESULTS

There were 1274 (64%) SA, 359 (18%) DA, and 367 (18%) H cases. There was poor correlation between preoperative calcium and PTH (R=0.37), and both correlated poorly with total gland volume (R<0.40). Subgroup analysis by the number of involved glands similarly showed poor correlation. Mean total gland volume was similar among all subgroups (SA=1.28, DA=1.43, H=1.27 cc, p=0.52), implying individual glands were smaller in multigland disease. SA was found in 53% of patients with calcium ≤10.5 mg/dL and 78% if ≥12 mg/dL (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

This is the largest series correlating preoperative calcium and PTH values with operative findings of gland size and number of diseased glands. Although a lower calcium value predicts somewhat more multigland disease, the overall poor correlation should make the parathyroid surgeon aware that gland size and multigland disease cannot be predicted by preoperative laboratory testing.

The role of Rapid Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone (ioPTH) assay in determining outcome of parathyroidectomy in primary hyperparathyroidism: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrine disorder. In the last few decades, the introduction of Rapid Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone (ioPTH) monitoring has allowed to ensurance of the excision of all hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissues, reducing the risks of persistent and recurrent PHPT. However, the use of ioPTH is still debated among endocrine surgeons.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess if ioPTH monitoring is able to reduce the incidence of persistent or recurrent PHPT. A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, ISI-Web of Science and Cochrane Library Database. Prospective and retrospective studies addressing the efficacy of ioPTH monitoring were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The random-effects model was assumed to account for different sources of variation among studies. The overall effect size was computed through the inverse variance method. Heterogeneity across studies, possible outlier studies, and publication bias were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 28 studies with 13,323 patients were included in the quantitative analysis. The incidence of operative failure was 3.2% in the case group and 5.8% in the control group. After excluding three outlier studies, the quantitative analysis revealed that ioPTH reduced significantly the incidence of postoperative persistent or recurrent PHPT. (Risk Difference = -0.02; CI = -0.03, -0.01; p < 0.001). There was no evidence of heterogeneity among the studies (Q = 19.92, p = 0.70; I² = 0%). The analysis of several continuous moderators revealed that the effectiveness of ioPTH was larger in studies with lower preoperative serum calcium values and higher incidences of multiple gland disease.

CONCLUSION

ioPTH monitoring is effective in reducing the incidence of persistent and recurrent PHPT. Its routine use should be suggested in the next guidelines regarding management of PHPT.

Challenging NICE guidelines on parathyroid surgery

BACKGROUND

National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommend against routinely using Intra-Operative Parathyroid Hormone (IOPTH) for first-time parathyroid surgery due to its cost and minimal surgical benefit. The European Society of Endocrine Surgeons differ from this and recommends IOPTH with conflicting pre-operative or single imaging. NICE guidance acknowledged that this may change practice in larger centres. We devised a retrospective single-centre cohort study to analyse the impact of IOPTH on decision-making and cost-effectiveness.

METHODOLOGY

First-time parathyroidectomy procedures for primary hyperparathyroidism were assessed between 2017 and 2019. Ultrasound (US) and Sestamibi with parathyroid single-photon emission with computed tomography (SPECT-CT) were compared with IOPTH. The contribution of IOPTH to cure and cost effectiveness ratio was calculated.

RESULTS

114 cases were included, with IOPTH performed in all cases, SPECT-CT in 112 and US in 108 cases. A cure rate of 99.1% (113/114) was achieved. 11.4% (13/114) of the cure rate was influenced by IOPTH (P 0.01), instigating further exploration when its levels didn't decrease. This included 7.1% (4/56) in the concordant-imaging cohort. IOPTH accuracy (96.5%) was significantly superior (P = 0.03) to both US (80%) and SPECT-CT (81%). Comparing the total costs for IOPTH testing over 2 years (£39,721) with 13 potential re-operative procedures in its absence (£63,536), a positive cost-effectiveness ratio of £1832 per re-operative procedure averted was achieved.

CONCLUSION

Abandoning IOPTH in first-time parathyroid surgery is too ambitious when weighing the cost of re-operative surgery against cost savings obtained by using routine IOPTH to achieve an improved cure rate, even in concordant imaging.

Surgical outcome after focused parathyroidectomy: experience from a tertiary care centre in North India

&lt;b style=&quot;color: #075541&quot;&gt; Introduction:&lt;/b&gt; Focused parathyroidectomy is the gold standard treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) due to single gland disease with a comparable success rate as that of conventional four gland exploration. It is also associated with fewer surgical complications. Despite these benefits, there is still controversy about the high recurrence following the focused approach. &lt;/br&gt; &lt;/br&gt; &lt;b style=&quot;color: #075541&quot;&gt;Aim:&lt;/b&gt; The aim was to analyse our experience regarding the success rate of focused parathyroidectomy for PHPT. &lt;/br&gt; &lt;/br&gt; &lt;b style=&quot;color: #075541&quot;&gt;Methods:&lt;/b&gt; This was a retrospective analysis of 192 patients of PHPT between January 2017 and August 2020 who underwent focused parathyroidectomy without intraoperative parathormone analysis, and had a minimum follow up of six months. Demographic profile, biochemical (pre and postoperative), radiological, operative and histological detail of all patients were recorded. Parathyroidectomy was considered curative if the patient maintained normal serum calcium and parathormone (PTH) levels six months after surgery. Persistent hyperparathyroidism was considered if hypercalcemia or high PTH levels persisted, or recurrent disease when a patient had rising serum calcium and / or PTH levels six months after curative parathyroidectomy. &lt;/br&gt; &lt;/br&gt; &lt;b style=&quot;color: #075541&quot;&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; No patient had pain and wound-related complications after parathyroidectomy. Two patients had voice change in the immediate postoperative period which recovered subsequently; no patient had documented vocal cord paralysis. The persistent disease was present in two patients; both required neck exploration. Five patients had recurrence of PHPT within six months of parathyroidectomy; all of them had hyperplasia on the final biopsy. The overall cure rate was 97.92%. &lt;/br&gt; &lt;/br&gt; &lt;b style=&quot;color: #075541&quot;&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; Therefore, we propose focused surgery for sporadic PHPT should be considered as a preferred treatment with acceptable recurrence rate and surgical complications.&lt;/br&gt; &lt;/br&gt; &lt;b style=&quot;color: #075541&quot;&gt;KEYWORDS:&lt;/b&gt;focused parathyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy, primary hyperparathyroidism.

Usefulness of the Wisconsin and CaPTHUS indices for predicting multiglandular disease in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism in a southern European population

Background

Focused parathyroidectomy is a safe technique for the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism. The CaPTHUS score and the Wisconsin index are preoperative diagnostic tools designed to distinguish between single- and multigland disease. The aim of the study is to evaluate the usefulness of these models for predicting multiglandular disease in a European population.

Methods

Retrospective review of a database of patients operated upon for primary hyperparathyroidism at a referral center. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and reliability of both scores for the prediction of multiglandular disease, were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to assess the sensitivity and specificity of CaPTHUS score and Wisconsin Index for predicting single-gland disease. A level of P<0.05 was accepted as significant.

Results

Two hundred and eighty-one patients who underwent successful surgery from January 2001 to December 2018 were included. Single-gland disease was detected in 92.5%, and 73.7% had a CaPTHUS score of ≥3. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of this model for predicting single-gland disease with a score of ≥3 were 76.9%, 66.7%, 96.6%, and 18.9% respectively. The area under the curve value of the CaPTHUS score for predicting single-gland disease was 0.74. A Wisconsin Index >2,000 and an excised gland weight above one gram presented a positive predictive value for single-gland disease of 92.5%.

Conclusions

Despite the good performance of both scales, the established cut-off points did not definitively rule out parathyroid multiglandular disease in our population. In cases with a minimal suspicion of this condition, additional intraoperative techniques must be used, or bilateral neck explorations should be performed.

[Assessment of the quality of life of patients after parathyroidectomy from standard and small access]

ОБОСНОВАНИЕ. Первичный гиперпаратиреоз (ПГПТ) — это повышение секреторной активности околощитовидных желез (ОЩЖ) вследствие их опухолевого или гиперпластического изменения. Ввиду отсутствия эффективной альтернативы лечению ПГПТ хирургический способ по-прежнему остается единственным верным тактическим решением ведения больных с установленным диагнозом ПГПТ. В работе представлены отдаленные результаты и оценка качества жизни больных, перенесших хирургическое лечение из стандартного и малого доступов. Полученные результаты показали перспективность щадящего подхода к лечению ПГПТ, обусловленного аденомой ОЩЖ.ЦЕЛЬ. Изучение эффективности хирургического лечения ПГПТ на основании оценки качества жизни больных, перенесших паратиреоидэктомию из стандартного и малого доступов.МАТЕРИАЛЫ И МЕТОДЫ. Проведено ретроспективное исследование качества жизни пациентов с ПГПТ после хирургического лечения с использованием опросника SF-36 и линейной аналоговой шкалы (ЛАШ). Статистическая обработка данных выполнена на языке программирования R с использованием пакета FMSB. Количественные параметры были представлены в виде медианы (Меdian) и интерквартильного размаха (25-й (1st Qu) — нижний квартиль и 75-й (3rd Qu) — верхний квартиль). В качестве непараметрического статистического критерия использован U-критерий Манна–Уитни (Mann–Whitney U-test), на основании которого произведен расчет p-value. Расчетные данные результатов исследования представлены в графическом виде — в виде столбчатых диаграмм, spider plot и barplot.РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ. В настоящем исследовании приняли участие 264 пациента. Пациенты были разделены на 2 группы: ГР1 — пациенты, оперированные из доступа по Кохеру с обязательной ревизией всех 4 ОЩЖ, ГР2 — пациенты, получившие оперативное лечение из малого доступа с удалением измененной ОЩЖ, без ревизии остальных ОЩЖ. При проведении анализа качества жизни пациентов до операции статистически значимых различий в группах по показателю PF (Physical Functioning) и VT (Vitality) выявлено не было. Проведение паратиреоидэктомии из малого доступа (пациенты ГР2) статистически значимо повышало качество жизни по домену GH (General Health) и VT (Vitality). Анализ ЛАШ до операции между группами не показал статистически значимых различий, в то время как после хирургического лечения показатели по ЛАШ отличаются в сторону улучшения в ГР2.ЗАКЛЮЧЕНИЕ. Результаты, полученные в ходе исследования, показали перспективность щадящего подхода к лечению ПГПТ, обусловленного аденомой ОЩЖ, что отражено в более высоких показателях качества жизни.

Selection of parathyroidectomy methods for primary hyperparathyroidism according to concordance between ultrasonography and MIBI scan results

Background

Determination of appropriate operative methods for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is difficult when localisation results are discordant between imaging studies. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of focused parathyroidectomy (FP) and bilateral neck exploration (BNE) according to the concordance in localisation results.

Method

One hundred and ninety-one patients who underwent a PHPT operation at Asan Medical Center between 2000 and 2010 were divided into two groups according to the concordance in findings between neck ultrasonography (USG) and sestamibi (MIBI) scan. Differences in clinicopathological features and surgical outcomes between the concordant (n=137) and discordant (n=54) groups were analysed.

Results

FP and BNE did not show significant differences in postoperative persistent hyperparathyroidism rates. Although intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) monitoring was not performed in this study, the cure rates of PHPT using only USG and MIBI scans were satisfactorily high, at 98.5% in the concordant group and 96.3% in the discordant group. The cure rates of FP and Unilateral exploration in single-negative USG and MIBI scans were 100%. Multiple lesions and hyperplasia were more common in the discordant group.

Conclusions

In cases where it is difficult to apply IOPTH, FP without IOPTH is feasible in patients showing concordant or single-negative detection on USG and MIBI scans, whereas BNE is recommended in cases of discordance or double-negative results on imaging studies, to prevent recurrence or persistent disease. Appropriate selection of parathyroidectomy methods according to the concordance in USG and MIBI scans might produce good results without any difference in recurrence.

A Review of Parathyroid Surgery for Primary Hyperparathyroidism from the United Kingdom Registry of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgery (UKRETS)

BACKGROUND

The United Kingdom Registry of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons is a national database holding details on > 28,000 parathyroidectomies.

METHODS

An extract (2004-2017) of the database was analysed to investigate the reported efficacy, safety and use of intra-operative surgical adjuncts in targeted parathyroidectomy (tPTx) and bilateral neck exploration (BNE) for adult, first-time primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT).

RESULTS

50.9% of 21,738 cases underwent tPTx. Excellent short-term (median follow-up 35 days) post-operative normocalcaemia rates were reported overall (tPTx 96.6%, BNE 94.5%, p < 0.05) and in image-positive cases (tPTx 96.7%, BNE 96%, p < 0.05). Intra-operative PTH improved overall normocalcaemia rates (tPTx 97.8% vs 96.3%, BNE 95% vs 94.4%: both p < 0.05). Intra-operative nerve monitoring reduced vocal cord (VC) dysfunction in image-positive tPTx, but not in BNE (97.8% vs 93.2%, p < 0.05). Complications were higher following BNE (7.4% vs 3.8%, p < 0.05), especially hypocalcaemia (5.3% vs 2%, p < 0.05). There was no difference in rates of subjective dysphonia following tPTx or BNE (2.4% vs 2.3%, p > 0.05), nor any difference in VC dysfunction when formally examined (4.9% vs 4.1%, p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In image-positive, first time, adult PHPT cases, tPTx is as safe and effective as BNE, with both achieving excellent short-term results with minimal complications.

Correlation of perioperative biochemical variables with single adenoma weight in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism

BACKGROUND

Single parathyroid adenoma is the main cause of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), with surgery remaining the gold standard for its treatment. The ability to preoperatively predict the parathyroid adenoma size and could facilitate the decision about the extent of surgical exploration. It is reasonable to hypothesize that the perioperative levels of PHPT-related variables (i.e. calcium, parathormone, phosphate) may predict the adenoma weight or/and demonstrate whether the adenoma is successfully removed or not. Aim of this study is to explore the relationship between perioperative biochemical values and adenoma weight. Secondarily, we investigated the relationship between adenoma weight and uni-/bilateral neck exploration.

METHODS

Retrospective study of all patients undergone surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism due to single adenoma in a tertiary university hospital in Germany during a 6-year period. Following variables were analyzed: preoperative serum calcium, phosphorus and parathormone, intraoperative parathormone before and after adenoma excision, intraoperative PTH decrease, postoperative serum calcium and parathormone (PTHpostop-pg/ml), calcium and PTH decrease. Bivariate correlations were calculated by the Spearman's correlation test at the 95% significance level.

RESULTS

A total of 339 patients were included in the study. The median age of the patients was 60 years (range 21-90) and 77% were females. The median adenoma weight was 1 g (range 0.1-11). Adenoma weight correlated strong with maximum adenoma diameter (r = 0.72, p < 0.05), moderate with preoperative parathormone (r = 0.44) and parathormone decrease (r = 0.27), whereas there was no correlation with the intraoperative PTH decrease (r = 0.02). There was also a borderline (moderate to weak) correlation with pre- and postoperative calcium levels (r = 0.21 and r = 0.23 respectively) and a negative borderline correlation with phosphorus (r = - 0.21). Patients who required bilateral neck exploration, had significantly lighter adenomas (median weight 0.8 g vs 1.1 g, p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that preoperative PTH levels may only serve as an approximate guide to adenoma weight, as direct preoperative prediction is not possible. Serum calcium levels, PTH and calcium decrease correlate only weak with adenoma weight. Patients who require bilateral neck exploration, have significantly (20-25%) lighter adenomas.

Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy guided by intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring (IOPTH) and preoperative imaging versus bilateral neck exploration for primary hyperparathyroidism in adults

BACKGROUND

Bilateral neck exploration (BNE) is the traditional approach to sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism. With the availability of the preoperative imaging techniques and intraoperative parathyroid hormone assays, minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) is fast becoming the favoured surgical approach.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) guided by preoperative imaging and intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring versus bilateral neck exploration (BNE) for the surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, WHO ICTRP and ClinicalTrials.gov. The date of the last search of all databases was 21 October 2019. There were no language restrictions applied.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials comparing MIP to BNE for the treatment of sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism in persons undergoing surgery for the first time.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened titles and abstracts for relevance. Two review authors independently screened for inclusion, extracted data and carried out risk of bias assessment. The content expert senior author resolved conflicts. We assessed studies for overall certainty of the evidence using the GRADE instrument. We conducted meta-analyses using a random-effects model and performed statistical analyses according to the guidelines in the latest version of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified five eligible studies, all conducted in European university hospitals. They included 266 adults, 136 participants were randomised to MIP and 130 participants to BNE. Data were available for all participants post-surgery up to one year, with the exception of missing data for two participants in the MIP group and for one participant in the BNE group at one year. Nine participants in the MIP group and 11 participants in the BNE group had missing data at five years. No study had a low risk of bias in all risk of bias domains. The risk ratio (RR) for success rate (eucalcaemia) at six months in the MIP group compared to the BNE group was 0.98 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94 to 1.03; P = 0.43; 5 studies, 266 participants; very low-certainty evidence). A total of 132/136 (97.1%) participants in the MIP group compared with 129/130 (99.2%) participants in the BNE group were judged as operative success. At five years, the RR was 0.94 (95% CI 0.83 to 1.08; P = 0.38; 1 study, 77 participants; very low-certainty evidence). A total of 34/38 (89.5%) participants in the MIP group compared with 37/39 (94.9%) participants in the BNE group were judged as operative success. The RR for the total incidence of perioperative adverse events was 0.50, in favour of MIP (95% CI 0.33 to 0.76; P = 0.001; 5 studies, 236 participants; low-certainty evidence). Perioperative adverse events occurred in 23/136 (16.9%) participants in the MIP group compared with 44/130 (33.9%) participants in the BNE group. The 95% prediction interval ranged between 0.25 and 0.99. These adverse events included symptomatic hypocalcaemia, vocal cord palsy, bleeding, fever and infection. Fifteen of 104 (14.4%) participants experienced symptomatic hypocalcaemia in the MIP group compared with 26/98 (26.5%) participants in the BNE group. The RR for this event comparing MIP with BNE at two days was 0.54 (95% CI 0.32 to 0.92; P = 0.02; 4 studies, 202 participants). Statistical significance was lost in sensitivity analyses, with a 95% prediction interval ranging between 0.17 and 1.74. Five out of 133 (3.8%) participants in the MIP group experienced vocal cord paralysis compared with 2/128 (1.6%) participants in the BNE group. The RR for this event was 1.87 (95% CI 0.47 to 7.51; P = 0.38; 5 studies, 261 participants). The 95% prediction interval ranged between 0.20 and 17.87. The effect on all-cause mortality was not explicitly reported and could not be adequately assessed (very low-certainty evidence). There was no clear difference for health-related quality of life between the treatment groups in two studies, but studies did not report numerical data (very low-certainty evidence). There was a possible treatment benefit for MIP compared to BNE in terms of cosmetic satisfaction (very low-certainty evidence). The mean difference (MD) for duration of surgery comparing BNE with MIP was in favour of the MIP group (-18 minutes, 95% CI -31 to -6; P = 0.004; 3 studies, 171 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The 95% prediction interval ranged between -162 minutes and 126 minutes. The studies did not report length of hospital stay. Four studies reported intraoperative conversion rate from MIP to open procedure information. Out of 115 included participants, there were 24 incidences of conversion, amounting to a conversion rate of 20.8%.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The success rates of MIP and BNE at six months were comparable. There were similar results at five years, but these were only based on one study. The incidence of perioperative symptomatic hypocalcaemia was lower in the MIP compared to the BNE group, whereas the incidence of vocal cord paralysis tended to be higher. Our systematic review did not provide clear evidence for the superiority of MIP over BNE. However, it was limited by low-certainty to very low-certainty evidence.

Histologic hypercellularity in a biopsied normal parathyroid gland does not correlate with hyperfunction in primary hyperparathyroidism

BACKGROUND

About 15% of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism have multiglandular disease, thus during resection of an apparent single adenoma, a visibly normal parathyroid may be identified and biopsied. Using long-term biochemical follow-up, we examined whether normal parathyroid hypercellularity correlates with multiglandular disease or primary hyperparathyroidism recurrence.

METHODS

We reviewed all patients who from 2001 to 2015 had an initial operation for sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism with removal of 1 gland, routine normal parathyroid biopsy, intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring, and follow-up of ≥3 years. Recurrence was defined by hypercalcemia after documented cure at 6 months, and hypercellularity by standard histologic criteria.

RESULTS

Of 134 patients with mean follow-up of 9.4 years (range, 3.1-15.9), 132 (98.5%) exhibited cure at 6 months. Two had initial failure, and 8 of 132 (6.1%) developed recurrent hyperparathyroidism (mean 5.8 y, range 4-10.6). The normal parathyroid was hypercellular in 14 of 132 (10.6%) of the cured patients, and this rate did not differ for those with long-term cure (12/124, 9.7%) versus recurrence (2/8, 25%, P = .2). The positive predictive value of normal parathyroid hypercellularity for recurrence was low (14.3%), and the negative predictive value of normal parathyroid normocellularity was high (94.9%).

CONCLUSION

During the initial operation for primary hyperparathyroidism, 10% of normal parathyroids are hypercellular, but this does not signify missed multiglandular disease. In contrast, normal parathyroid normocellularity has high predictive value for durable cure (95%), slightly better than visual identification of a second normal parathyroid (94%).

Single Center Experience in the Surgical Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Objectives.

As calcium included as a part of routine laboratory screening early diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) has been increased. Surgical resection of parathyroid adenoma or hyperplasia still is the mainstay of the treatment for most PHPT patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate of the surgical outcomes of patients with PHPT that referred to our ENT department of our University Hospital for the last 6 years.

Methods.

One hundred thirty-seven patients with PHPT who underwent parathyroid surgery in our clinic between October 2011 and January 2018 included in this retrospective study. Data on demographics, clinical findings, past medical history, preoperative laboratory values in 3 months, preoperative localizing imaging studies including ultrasonography (USG) and 99mTc-sestamibi (methoxyisobutyl isonitrile, [MIBI]) scan, operative findings, postoperative laboratory values, and pathology reports were recorded. MIBI scan and USG are used as the first-line modalities in our center. Single-photon emission computed tomography was used for challenging situations of re-exploration and ectopic parathyroid pathology. Four-dimensional computed tomography scanning is was preferred as the last imaging modality. Focused unilateral neck exploration (FUNE) was performed with intraoperative frozen section analysis as a routine procedure. Bilateral neck exploration (BNE) was used only in re-exploration, ectopic parathyroid, and with high suspicion of multigland disease.

Results.

Totally 137 patients (female:male, 3:3; mean age, 54.6±13.2 years) included in the study. Single parathyroid adenoma was found in 108 patients (78.8%). Most common adenoma localization was left inferior parathyroid gland (46.7%). FUNE was performed in 89.8% of the patients and BNE for 10.2% of the patients. Postoperative normocalcemia was reached in 132 patients and permanent hypocalcemia was observed in two patients. Persistence hypercalcemia observed in three patients. Postoperative pathology reports revealed three patients have parathyroid carcinoma.

Conclusion.

Preoperative imaging modalities is very important in parathyroidectomy surgery. Routine use of preoperative imaging modalities reduced the risk of complications in our clinic.

Surgeon-performed Ultrasound for Primary Hyperparathyroidism

The role of preoperative parathyroid imaging continues to evolve. This study evaluated whether surgeon-performed ultrasound (U/S) obviates the need for other imaging studies and leads to a focused exploration with a high degree of surgical success. From July 2010 to February 2012, 200 patients presenting with nonfamilial primary hyperparathyroidism underwent neck U/S in the surgeon's office. The U/S interpretation was classified as Class 1 if an adenoma was identified with high confidence, Class 2 if a possible but not definite enlarged gland was imaged, and Class 0 (zero) if no adenoma was identified. The findings were correlated with subsequent intra-operative findings. There were 144 Class 1 U/Ss (72%); of 132 patients coming to surgery, 96.2 per cent had surgical findings concordant with preoperative U/S and all had apparent surgical cure. Twenty-nine patients (14.5%) had Class 2 U/S; the 31 per cent confirmed false-positives in this group were usually colloid nodules. Fourteen of 27 with Class 0 U/S underwent surgery after being offered dynamically enhanced computed tomography scan. All 200 patients were apparent surgical cures. Surgeon-performed U/S is expedient, convenient, inexpensive, and accurate. A clearly identified adenoma can safely lead to a focused limited exploration and avoid additional imaging 93 per cent of the time.

Challenges in the Management of Ectopic Parathyroid Pathologies: A Case Series of Five Patients

In primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) the diagnosis and treatment of ectopic parathyroid adenomas (EPTA) is a challenging process for head and neck surgeons. We present five patients with EPTA in different locations, along with an in-depth discussion of imaging modalities. We used sestamibi scintigraphy (MIBI) and ultrasound as first line imaging tools in asymptomatic hypercalcemia and PHPT. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was combined with MIBI or computed tomography (CT) if a parathyroid pathology was not localized initially. Four-dimensional parathyroid CT (4D-CT) was the last imaging modality preferred to localize the ectopic parathyroid gland. We performed focused unilateral neck exploration (FUNE) with intraoperative frozen section analysis as a routine procedure for imaging-detected lesions. Bilateral neck exploration was performed for re-exploration cases and imaging-negative cases. Histopathology confirmed EPTA and postoperative serum calcium normalized in all cases. 4D-CT is promising for ectopic parathyroid gland localization if all other imaging modalities fail. Despite the advancements in imaging, surgical experience continues to play the central role in the management of ectopic parathyroid pathologies.

Lessons Learned From a Single-Surgeon Experience of More Than 1700 Parathyroidectomies

OBJECTIVE

To define critical elements that contribute to successful parathyroidectomy based on a high-volume single-surgeon experience and explore learning curve characteristics.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic analysis of prospectively maintained quality assurance database.

SETTING

Academic tertiary care endocrine surgery practice.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In total, 4737 consecutive patients who underwent thyroid or parathyroid surgery from 2004 to 2020 were identified. Demographic data acquisition was undertaken on a subset of these patients who had initial surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism during the academic years 2005 to 2018. Patients with renal or syndromic hyperparathyroidism and those undergoing reoperative surgery were excluded.

RESULTS

From 1710 patients who underwent parathyroid surgery, 1082 met inclusion criteria in order to focus on a homogeneous data set. These patients had a mean age of 60.1 ± 12.5 years and 76.4% were female. The overall cure rate was 98.3%, reflecting a success rate that increased from 95.5% during the first 200 cases to 99.7% over the final 300 cases. The complication rate was 1.7%. Over 2 decades, the patient phenotype evolved toward milder disease and smaller adenomas. A learning curve of 200 cases was required to become a proficient parathyroid surgeon; to achieve exceptional results required several hundred additional cases. Parathyroid surgery represents a higher proportion of an endocrine surgery practice than previously (54.0% in 2019 compared with 25.5% in 2004).

CONCLUSION

A focused practice dedicated to endocrine surgery yields surgical volumes exceeding 500 cases annually. There has been a steady shift toward parathyroid surgery. A lengthy learning curve can be shortened by pursuit of several specific strategies that are outlined in detail.

Clinical Characterization of Post-parathyroidectomy Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism and the Concordance of Preoperative Localization Imaging with Histopathology at a Tertiary Hospital in Manila, Philippines

Background

Philippine studies on primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and preoperative localization are scarce, making improvements on detection and recognition particularly difficult.

Objective

Describe the clinical profile of post-parathyroidectomy PHPT patients at The Medical City (TMC) and assess localization rates and concordance of neck ultrasound (UTZ) and 99mTc-sestamibi scan (MIBI) with surgical histopathologic findings.

Methodology

Retrospective chart review of PHPT Filipino patients who underwent parathyroidectomy at The Medical City from January 2004 to August 2018. Clinical profile and presentations were described and compared with international data. Imaging results were compared with surgical histopathology findings and the level of agreement was determined.

Results

Thirty-five patients were analyzed with female predominance (63%) and an average age of 53 years. Our population had more overt manifestations including skeletal abnormalities (51%), renal calculi (49%) and musculoskeletal symptoms (43%) prior to surgery compared to western countries, where symptoms were noted in less than 20%. MIBI had higher rates of detection than UTZ (80% versus 58%) but had similar localization rates (96.4% versus 94%). When performed together, given a positive result from either test, a much higher yield (93.8%) was observed. The level of agreement between MIBI and surgery was 72.5% (κ=0.54) while UTZ and surgery was 54.1% (κ=0.38).

Conclusion

Our Filipino subjects had predominantly overt symptomatic hyperparathyroidism upon diagnosis prior to surgery as opposed to more asymptomatic surgical patients in western countries. Combining UTZ and MIBI is a more successful preoperative localization approach in our setting than performing either imaging alone, especially in patients with nodular goiter.

The role of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) determination for identification and surgical strategy of sporadic multiglandular disease in primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT)

Intraoperative PTH monitoring (IOPTH) made minimally invasive parathyroidectomy in patients with primary HPT possible. However, with the increasing accuracy of preoperative localization studies there is a growing discussion if IOPTH is necessary in patients with localized single gland disease (concordant preoperative localization studies). Different interpretation criteria have been developed - each with their particular advantages and disadvantages, but the "perfect" criterion is still missing. Despite several pitfalls, which can be recognized intraoperatively and do not necessarily lead to a more extensive surgery, IOPTH seems to be a useful adjunct in surgery for PHPT. However, according to current guidelines, selected patients may be operated without IOPTH but need to be informed about the possibly increased risk of recurrent disease.

Surgical Treatment of Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Which Therapy to Whom?

Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is characterized by an increase in the levels of PTH and Ca, or one of these (Ca, PTH) as a result of a dysregulation of calcium (Ca) metabolism due to inappropriate excess parathyroid hormone (PTH) autonomously produced from one or more than one parathyroid glands. Ninety to 95% of pHPT is a sporadic type, which is not associated with the familial history and other endocrine organ tumors, and 5-10% of it is hereditary. While 80-85% of pHPT arises from a single parathyroid adenoma, 4-5% is caused by a double adenoma, 10-15% by multigland hyperplasia and less than 1% by parathyroid cancer. The diagnosis of pHPT is reached biochemically. The only curative treatment of pHPT is surgery. The choice of surgery in pHPT may vary depending on whether the patient has hereditary HPT or thyroid disease requiring surgical treatment, preoperative localization studies and the findings in these studies, the possibilities of using intraoperative PTH and the preference of the surgeon. The preoperatively determined surgical strategy can be revised according to intraoperative findings in case of need to achieve excellent results. The two main approaches in the surgical treatment of pHPT are BNE (bilateral neck exploration) and MIP (minimal invasive parathyroidectomy). Although BNE is a consistently valid option that has excellent results in the surgical treatment of pHPT and is considered the gold standard, MIP is the ideal approach in selected patients with clinically and radiologically considered a single-gland disease. Negative imaging is not a contraindication for parathyroid surgery and is not a criterion for the presence or absence of surgical indication. Although both methods are safe and effective in the surgical treatment of sporadic pHPT, there is still controversy regarding the effectiveness of both methods. Surgical intervention should establish the risk-benefit balance well, minimize the risk of persistent and recurrent disease and provide the highest cure rate without increasing the risk of complications. Complication rates are higher in the secondary surgery, thus in secondary procedures, selective surgery should be performed under guidance of an imaging modality. The surgical strategy should be determined to achieve maximum cure with minimum dissection and minimal morbidity. In this study, we aimed to determine the type of surgical treatment and pHPT patients suitable for the surgical treatment.

Surgical Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism in the Era of Focused Parathyroidectomy: A Study in Tertiary Referral Centre of North India

BACKGROUND

Despite the benefits of focused parathyroidectomy (FPTx), few studies have questioned its durability with lower long-term cure rates than bilateral or conventional parathyroidectomy (CPTx). The objective of this study is to bring out the information on the type of surgical management versus cure rate, recurrence, and role of intra-operative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) level monitoring of PHPT patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study of all PHPT patients treated at our center based on operative approach (CPTx vs FPTx) or use of IOPTH. Treatment failure was divided into persistent or recurrent disease, based on documentation of hypercalcemia in combination with an inappropriate PTH within 6 months or more of surgery, respectively.

RESULTS

Overall, 50.78% patients underwent CPTx and 49.32% FPTx. 29 FPTx were converted to CPTx. Intention to treat analysis between CPTx and FPTx showed that the persistence rate was not statistically different at 2.54% and 4%, respectively (P = 0.98). Furthermore, when the persistence rate was scrutinized by a treatment received (TR) instead of ITT analysis, the persistence rate was higher for the patients who underwent TR-CPTX than for the patients subjected to TR-FPTX (3.22% vs 1.08%) but not significant statistically. We further analyzed the outcome of FPTx with IOPTH (n = 213) and FPTx without IOPTH (n = 28). The outcome did not differ between two groups statistically.

CONCLUSION

FPTx yields a similar success rate as compared to CPTx even in symptomatic PHPT patients and can be performed safely even without intra-opeartive adjunct IOPTH in selected patients.

Intraoperative Decision Making in Parathyroid Surgery

This article reviews intraoperative decision making related to several important aspects of parathyroid surgery. These include how to systematically identify a missing gland, when to perform a unilateral versus bilateral exploration for cure, approaches to secondary hyperparathyroidism, management of familial hyperparathyroidism, and the treatment of parathyroid cancer. The management of intraoperative complications, such as recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and devascularization of parathyroid glands, also is discussed.

American Head and Neck Society Endocrine Surgery Section update on parathyroid imaging for surgical candidates with primary hyperparathyroidism

Health care consumer organizations and insurance companies increasingly are scrutinizing value when considering reimbursement policies for medical interventions. Recently, members of several American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) committees worked closely with one insurance company to refine reimbursement policies for preoperative localization imaging in patients undergoing surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism. This endeavor led to an AAO-HNS parathyroid imaging consensus statement (https://www.entnet.org/content/parathyroid-imaging). The American Head and Neck Society Endocrine Surgery Section gathered an expert panel of authors to delineate imaging options for preoperative evaluation of surgical candidates with primary hyperparathyroidism. We review herein the current literature for preoperative parathyroid localization imaging, with discussion of efficacy, cost, and overall value. We recommend that planar sestamibi imaging, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), SPECT/CT, CT neck/mediastinum with contrast, MRI, and four dimensional CT (4D-CT) may be used in conjunction with high-resolution neck ultrasound to preoperatively localize pathologic parathyroid glands. PubMed literature on parathyroid imaging was reviewed through February 1, 2019.

PRE-OPERATIVE LOCALIZATION OF PARATHYROID ADENOMA: PERFORMANCE OF 4D MRI PARATHYROID PROTOCOL

Objective: Accurate pre-operative image localization is critical in the selection of minimally invasive parathyroidectomy as a surgical treatment approach in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Sestamibi scan, ultrasound, computed tomography, and conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has varying accuracy in localizing parathyroid adenoma (PTA). Our group has previously shown that four-dimensional (4D) MRI is more accurate than conventional imaging in identifying single adenomas. In this study, we set out to determine if it is possible to accurately localize the quadrant of the adenoma using 4D MRI. Methods: We analyzed and matched the quadrants of PTA identified by pre-operative 4D-MRI with the operative findings during parathyroidectomy for PHPT at our institution during the study period. All resections were confirmed to be successful with an adequate decrease in intraoperative parathyroid hormone as defined by the Miami criterion. Results: A total of 26 patients with PHPT underwent pre-operative localization with the 4D MRI parathyroid protocol. Fourteen patients had true single-gland adenoma (SGA) and 12 patients had multi-gland disease (MGD). 4D MRI accurately identified all the SGA. Using this method, we were also able to localize the adenoma in the correct quadrant in 14 of the 18 patients with SGA. All 3 double adenomas were accurately identified using 4D MRI; however, MGD was only accurately identified 67% of the time. The 4D MRI had an overall 85% accuracy in distinguishing SGA from MGD. Conclusion: 4D MRI accurately identified single and double adenomas in their respective quadrants. However, accuracy was lower with MGD. Abbreviations: BNE = bilateral neck exploration; CT = computed tomography; IOPTH = intra-operative parathyroid hormone; MGD = multi-gland disease; MIBI = sestamibi; MIP = minimally invasive parathyroidectomy; MRI = magnetic resonance imaging; PHPT = primary hyperparathyroidism; PTA = parathyroid adenoma; PTH = parathyroid hormone; SGA = single-gland adenoma; SPECT = single photon emission computed tomography; 4D = four-dimensional.