Preoperative percutaneous localisation of parathyroid tumours: a preliminary report

Uncomplicated bilateral percutaneous subclavian venous sampling for parathormone estimation was performed preoperatively in 10 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. In 7 cases there was correlation of the higher parathormone level with the side of the parathyroid tumour subsequently found at operation. In conjunction with the "Tibblin strategy of unilateral parathyroidectomy" (1) a dual approach is suggested that may provide a simple, accurate method of treating patients with hyperparathyroidism.