[Surgery of hyperparathyroidism and of its potential recurrence in the MEN I setting]

Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) in the setting of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN I) is almost constant and occurs often early in the course of the disease. Underlying pathology is almost always multiglandular because of its genetic origin, and therefore, in case of less than subtotal parathyroidectomy, recurrence rate amounts to 20-40%. Operative strategy aims to find and check all parathyroid glands including possible supernumerary one(s) found in 30% of patients and to perform a subtotal parathyroidectomy. Combined transcervical thymectomy is a mandatory part of the procedure. Moreover HPT triggers the secretion of associated gastrinomas and its cure can thus delay the timing of duodenopancreatic surgery. In case of recurrent HPT, preoperative work-up yields to image the parathyroid remnant and possible supernumerary gland(s). Reoperation aims to remove all parathyroid tissue. Cryopreservation can be useful in case of permanent long-lasting symptomatic hypoparathyroidism.