Extracapsular hematoma of the parathyroid glands

The objective of this study was to standardize surgical treatment of cervicothoracic hematoma due to parathyroid gland rupture. Only 19 such hematomas have been reported in the literature, and there is no consensus about the best time to operate or the surgical approach. We have now treated four new cases of extensive hematoma from the time of the initial bleeding except in the case of severe hemodynamic or respiratory troubles or nerve compression. Two of the patients were operated on after a minimal 3 months delay, with perfect results. The other two were operated on during the first month with great technical difficulty and incomplete results. In one case the gland was not excised, but parathyroid apoplexy afforded a spontaneous remission, although the hyperparathyroidism recurred 7 years later. We concluded that, first, if there are no severe compressive or hemodynamic symptoms, the surgical treatment must be performed more than 3 months after the bleeding, as the dissection then is as simple as any well ordered surgery. In case of an extensive hematoma accompanied by shock or compression, we propose simple emergency drainage, with reoperation 3 months later. Second, parathyroid apoplexy sometimes offers spontaneous remission of primary hyperparathyroidism, although late recurrence is always possible and surgical treatment then cannot be avoided.