[Topographic anatomy and arterial vascularization of the parathyroid glands. Practical application]

During the last few years, surgery of primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism has seen remarkable progress. The risks of this surgery are represented essentially by persistant or recurrent hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism. On the other hand, indications of thyroidectomy are more and more relevant in thyroid pathology. One of the main complications of this surgery is hypoparathyroidism. In these circumstances, the surgeon should know the anatomy and vascularisation of the parathyroids. The purpose of this work is to recall the topographic anatomy and to finalize the origin of the arterial vascularisation in order to improve the results of the thyroid and parathyroid surgery and to diminish its complications.