Re-explorative Parathyroid Surgery for Persistent and Recurrent Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is treated by parathyroidectomy. Excision of abnormal parathyroid tissue is curative in the majority of cases. Postoperative persistent or recurrent HPT has been reported up to 30%. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of imaging techniques and determine the efficacy of reexplorative surgery. A total of 306 patients underwent parathyroidectomy between 2000 and 2009. Twelve patients (3.9%) were not cured. Two patients declined further treatment, the other 10 patients underwent further investigation and surgery. Imaging and results of redo surgery together with associated complications were evaluated. All 10 patients were investigated with sestamibi, which accurately localized aberrant parathyroid tissue in three cases and ultrasound scans which also localized three cases. CT was useful in one of the three cases for which it was used. PET and MRI were not helpful. Twelve glands were resected, six adenomas, five hyperplastic and one normal gland. Nine of the 10 reoperated patients became normocalcemic. Complications included a bilateral recurrent laryngeal paresis. In total, 317 operations were performed and 303 of 306 (99%) patients were cured. Redo surgery for HPT is challenging and carries higher risks than primary surgery. Sestamibi and ultrasound scans are the most helpful imaging modalities. When there is concordance a targeted approach may be considered, otherwise a more extensive dissection is required. Redo parathyroid surgery should be considered, even if scans are unhelpful, for patients who are symptomatic or young or have a persistently high calcium level.