Initial cervical exploration for parathyroidectomy is not benefited by preoperative localization studies

Published data is controversial as to the ability of preoperative localization studies (PLS) to enhance the outcome of initial cervical exploration in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). One surgeon's experience was reviewed to compare surgical success, operative time, and morbidity of initial cervical exploration for PHPT in patients who had undergone PLS versus those who had not. From August 1991 to September 1997, 95 patients who had not undergone prior central cervical exploration presented for surgical management of PHPT. Sixty-seven patients underwent initial cervical exploration without any PLS having been performed (Group A). Twenty-eight patients underwent PLS, either alone or in combination, before surgical intervention (Group B). Analysis of intergroup variability was conducted upon the data available using a two-tailed t test for independent samples. In addition, the sensitivities and positive predictive values of the PLS were calculated using study reports and operative and histologic findings. There was no statistically significant difference in surgical success between those patients who had PLS and those that did not undergo PLS. Sixty-four of 67 patients (95.5%) not having PLS were cured with initial surgery, while 27 of 28 patients (96.4%) who had PLS were surgically cured. Mean postoperative calcium and intact parathormone levels were similar between the two groups, and the mean operative time did not differ. Permanent hypocalcemia occurred in one patient, and five patients had transient hoarseness. Thirty-six total PLS were obtained at an average cost of $752.68/patient, and seven patients underwent multiple tests. Overall, sestamibi scan had the highest positive predictive value (81%). For adenomatous disease alone, sestamibi scan was the most sensitive (83%). Our study shows that for matched groups limited to age, sex, and clinical diagnosis, the use of PLS did not shorten operative time, decrease complication frequency, nor alter the success of the operation as measured by postoperative calcium and parathormone levels. Therefore, routine use of preoperative localization studies before initial cervical exploration for PHPT cannot be recommended.