Wu C, Gillis A, Sidani M, Mcleod C, Fazendin J, Chen H, Ramonell K, Lindeman B. Thresholds for surgical referral in primary hyperparathyroidism: A conjoint analysis.
Am J Surg 2023;
226:640-645. [PMID:
37495466 PMCID:
PMC10644944 DOI:
10.1016/j.amjsurg.2023.07.010]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) can be cured through surgery, but referral for treatment is often provider dependent. A conjoint analysis was performed to identify factors influencing referral for surgery.
METHODS
Online survey assessed endocrinologists and other physicians who reviewed 10 patient scenarios. They decided whether to refer for surgery or medical management based on clinical (age, comorbidities, etc) and biochemical factors (mild or classic disease).
RESULTS
Classic PHPT, age below 50, absence of comorbidities, presence of osteoporosis, and seeing a surgical provider significantly increased the likelihood of surgery referral (p < 0.001). Physician characteristics such as gender, practice duration, and setting did not have a significant influence.
CONCLUSION
Despite published benefits of surgery, non-surgical physicians were less likely to refer PHPT patients for surgical treatment if patients were older (age ≥ 50), had comorbid conditions, or had mild disease. More education and advocacy are needed for improved access to surgery.
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