[Preoperative imaging in primary hyperparathyroidism before first cervicotomy]

A primary neck exploration for primary hyperparathyroidism can be performed without any previous morphological investigations. However, ultrasonography, CT scan and thallium technetium isotope scan can facilitate the surgical procedure as they frequently reveal and localize a parathyroid adenoma, due to the frequently large size of most adenomas. Although not all of these morphological investigations are always successful, we strongly recommend the use, in particular, of ultrasonography which is a non-invasive and inexpensive method. The other investigations, which are more expensive and less widely available can be discussed for each individual patient. These morphological investigations are obviously indicated in persistent recurrent primary hyperparathyroidism.