Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
Establishment of a Simple and Effective Rat Model for Intraoperative Parathyroid Gland Imaging
Published on: August 17, 2022
Long-term management and outcome of parathyroidectomy for sporadic primary multiple-gland disease
D M Rose1, T F Wood, A J Van Herle
1John Wayne Cancer Institute, 2200 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA.
Hypothesis:
For a specific subset of patients with sporadic primary multiple-gland parathyroid disease, subtotal parathyroidectomy results in long-term normocalcemia in the majority of patients, with a minimal complication rate.
Design:
Retrospective analysis of outcomes in patients undergoing parathyroidectomy performed by a single surgeon (A.E.G.) between 1984 and 1999.
Setting:
A multidisciplinary endocrine service based at a tertiary referral center.
Patients:
Patients undergoing subtotal parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism due to sporadic multiple-gland disease identified from a single surgeon's operative records (A.E.G.).
Main Outcome Measures:
Data analyzed included demographic factors, operative and pathologic findings, and postoperative and long-term clinical and laboratory results, including calcium and intact parathyroid hormone levels.
Results:
Of 379 patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for hyperparathyroidism between 1984 and 1999, 49 (13%) had sporadic multiple-gland disease. Median preoperative calcium and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels were 2.7 mmol/L (10.8 mg/dL) and 11.79 pmol/L, respectively. Postoperative calcium and iPTH levels were available in 39 patients, and median values were 2.28 mmol/L (9.1 mg/dL) and 2.84 pmol/L, respectively. Long-term follow-up was available for 36 patients (73%), and duration ranged from 6 to 180 months (median, 44 months). Median calcium and iPTH levels at follow-up were 2.3 mmol/L (9.2 mg/dL) and 3.26 pmol/L, respectively, with 3 (8%) of 36 patients having evidence of persistent or recurrent hyperparathyroidism. No patient had biochemical evidence of hypoparathyroidism at long-term follow-up. Five patients (14%) had persistent elevated iPTH levels (range, 8.11-10.95 pmol/L) and normal calcium levels.
Conclusions:
Subtotal parathyroidectomy for sporadic primary multiple-gland disease resulted in a long-term normocalcemia rate of 92%, with minimal complications. Selective subtotal parathyroidectomy can yield excellent long-term results in patients with multiple-gland disease.
