Reoperative parathyroid surgery

Reoperative parathyroid surgery is associated with a high mortality and morbidity. Morbidity consists of uncorrected hypercalcemia, hypoparathyroidism, and recurrent nerve injury. Initial operative failure is most frequently a result of not identifying four parathyroid glands. On reoperation, parathyroid glands are most often found in the neck and are usually hyperplastic. It is recommended that before attempting rexploration for parathyroid disease, all the patient's records especially the operative note and the previous pathology material should be reviewed. Preoperative localization by selective venous catheterization is of great use in the management of this type of patient.