[Primary hyperparathyroidism. Diagnostic and therapeutic concepts based on 180 cases]

The diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism, one of the many problems related to this affection, depends on results of skeletal radiographs, serial serum calcium and phosphate measurements, and mainly radioimmunological assay of parathormone levels. Pre-operative investigations to determine precise location are no longer conducted. Techniques for exploration of the neck are described, and the importance of diagnosis from gross pathological findings when compared with frozen section examinations during operation emphasized. These features are discussed in relation to 180 cases, as well as problems raised when repeat operations are necessary.