Gamma-probe localization of a parathyroid adenoma in the reoperative neck

Preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas in patients with hyperparathyroidism currently relies on a combination of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, (99m)Tc-sestamibi scintigraphy, and venous sampling of parathyroid hormone. No procedure is universally reliable, however, and in reoperation for missed parathyroid adenomas, development of an optimal preoperative localization strategy becomes especially problematic. We report the case of a patient with hyperparathyroidism who required reoperation for a missed parathyroid adenoma despite preoperative localization with (99m)Tc-sestamibi scintigraphy. (99m)Tc-sestamibi scintigraphy was done 2.5 hours before reoperation. On reoperation, a gamma-detecting probe (C-Track; Care Wise Medical Corporation, Morgan Hill, CA) introduced through a right neck incision was used to localize a 4-cm adenoma within 45 minutes. No significant radiation hazard existed, and no special handling of the specimen was required. The patient's hyperparathyroidism resolved within 24 hours postoperatively. Therefore, this intraoperative technique may prove to be a useful adjunct to preoperative localization studies of parathyroid adenomas, particularly in patients requiring reoperation for persistent postsurgical hyperparathyroidism.