Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy using surgeon-performed ultrasound and sestamibi

Surgeon-performed ultrasound (SPU) and (99m)Tc-sestamibi (SM) scanning can be used alone or in combination in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism to select cases suitable for minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP). The aim of the study was to evaluate SPU and SM and to determine the reliability they provide the surgeon in planning and carrying out MIP.

The study was a prospective analysis of 130 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who had preoperative localization with SPU and SM at a tertiary referral centre between 2003 and 2006. All ultrasound scans were carried out by one surgeon, followed by correlative sestamibi scan and a further 'on operating table' ultrasound to reassess the lesion and mark the operative site. Selection criteria for MIP were a positive SPU and SM, although a positive SPU or SM allowed the surgeon to focus on the nominated side. SPU and SM localizations were correlated to the operative findings.

One hundred and thirty patients underwent both SPU and SM. There were 97 women and 33 men, with a mean age of 59 years. SPU alone identified the abnormal parathyroid in 103 cases (sensitivity 82%; positive predictive value 96.3%). SM alone identified the abnormal gland in 102 cases (sensitivity 79%; positive predictive value 99%). In 88 patients, the SPU and SM were concordant, and 94% had successful MIP. SPU and SM were both negative in 13 patients, and all these patients had bilateral neck exploration.

SPU in the hands of an experienced surgeon in association with sestamibi is a reliable tool for the preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas and facilitates a minimally invasive procedure.