Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy Research Articles

Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy provides a conservative surgical option for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1–primary hyperparathyroidism

Many authors advocate routine subtotal parathyroidectomy or total parathyroidectomy and autotransplantation for patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). Many of these patients are young and recurrence may take decades. Four-gland parathyroid exploration carries a higher risk of complication than minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP). The aim of this study was to assess the role of selective removal of only abnormal glands for MEN1 in the era of MIP. For this retrospective, cohort study we collected data on patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for MEN1 from an endocrine surgery database. We reviewed preoperative localization studies, operative findings, histopathology, and clinical outcomes. Twenty-six patients underwent parathyroidectomy for MEN1-associated hyperparathyroidism over the 23-year study period. Six of 10 (60%) patients in the total parathyroidectomy group and 4 of 10 (40%) patients in the subtotal parathyroidectomy group developed hypocalcemia. The subtotal and total parathyroidectomy groups both had a recurrence rate of 30% with a mean follow-up rate of 106 and 133months, respectively. The MIP group had no hypocalcemia or recurrence with a mean follow-up of 19months. MIP with excision of only documented abnormal parathyroid glands provides an acceptable outcome for patients with MEN1, avoiding the potential for permanent hypoparathyroidism in young patients. It is accepted that recurrent disease is inevitable in these patients; however, such recurrence may take decades to occur and may be able to be dealt with by a further focused procedure.

Significance of rebounding parathyroid hormone levels during parathyroidectomy

BackgroundUsing minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP), most surgeons require a 50% decline in intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IoPTH) to determine cure, but the significance of IoPTH kinetics occurring after this drop remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of IoPTH levels that first meet criteria for cure, but then increase again, or rebound, between 10 and 15 min postexcision. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of patients undergoing initial parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism at our institution from 2001 to 2011. Rebound IoPTH was defined as an increase in parathyroid hormone ≥5 pg/mL after achieving the 50% drop required for cure. Comparisons were evaluated with the Student t-test, chi-square test, or Fisher exact test where appropriate. ResultsOf the 1386 patients who met selection criteria, 86 (6.2%) patients exhibited rebound IoPTH. The mean magnitude of rebound was 13.8 ± 3.6 pg/mL. Compared with those not displaying rebound, more patients with rebound IoPTH were treated with open parathyroidectomy rather than MIP (10.8% versus 4.5%, P < 0.01). The recurrence rate among those with rebound IoPTH was more than double that of the patients without rebound IoPTH (5.8% versus 2.2%, P = 0.03). Magnitude of rebound, however, did not correlate with recurrence. The rate of persistent disease was not different between those with and without rebound IoPTH. Rebound was a much better indicator of recurrence than patients whose final IoPTH levels were not within the normal range. ConclusionsRebound IoPTH is more common in patients who develop recurrent hyperparathyroidism. Therefore, surgeons should closely monitor patients with rebound IoPTH for disease recurrence.

Laryngeal Physiology and Voice Acoustics Are Maintained After Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy

This prospective single-arm study investigated both laryngeal physiology and voice acoustic measures in patients undergoing minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) due to primary hyperparathyroidism (primary HPTH). Avoidance of recurrent or superior laryngeal nerve injury and maintenance of normal laryngeal physiology and vocal function are key goals in the treatment of primary HPTH. No data are available comparing pre- and postoperative MIP laryngeal physiology and voice acoustics. Patients served as their own controls and underwent identical pre- and postoperative assessment. True vocal fold mobility was assessed and recorded using transnasal fiber-optic laryngoscopy. Vocal capacity was recorded with maximum phonation time and vocal stability by frequency-based voice measures, that is, mean fundamental frequency (F0), standard deviation of the fundamental frequency (F0SD), and jitter and shimmer as measured by relative average perturbation and mean shimmer in decibels, respectively. A total of 104 patients were enrolled [26 men, mean age = 53 years, range 29-79 years; 78 women, mean age = 56 years, range 16-83 years). All completed the protocol and were analyzed according to intent to treat. MIP was accomplished in 95 patients, and 9 were converted to general anesthesia. The cure rate was 100%, as evidenced by normalization of serum calcium levels. Both real-time agreement and blinded inter- and intrarater reliability testing for laryngeal physiology ratings were 100%. One patient (<1%) exhibited a recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were found for any voice acoustic parameter between pre- and postoperative MIP (ie, maximum phonation time, F0, F0SD, relative average perturbation, or shimmer in decibels). MIP can be performed with exquisite disease control and without significant effects on laryngeal physiology or voice acoustic measures. For the first time, both physiologic and acoustic data support the use of MIP.

Differences between sporadic and MEN related primary hyperparathyroidism; clinical expression, preoperative workup, operative strategy and follow-up

BackgroundPrimary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is most commonly sporadic (sPHPT). However, sometimes PHPT develops as part of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 1 or 2A. In all, parathyroidectomy is the only curative treatment. Nevertheless, there are important differences in clinical expression and treatment.MethodsWe analyzed a consecutive cohort of patients treated for sporadic, MEN1-related, and MEN2A-related PHPT and compared them regarding clinical and biochemical parameters, differences in preoperative workup, operative strategies, findings, and outcome.ResultsA total of 467 patients with sPHPT, 52 with MEN1- and 16 with MEN2A-related PHPT were analyzed. Patients with sPHPT were older, more often female and had higher preoperative calcium and parathyroid hormone levels, when compared with MEN1 and MEN2A patients. Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) was performed in 367 of 467 sPHPT patients (79%). One abnormal parathyroid was found in 426 patients (91%). Two or more in 35 patients (7%). In six patients (1%) no abnormal parathyroid gland was retrieved. Of 52 MEN1 patients, eight (15%) underwent a MIP and 44 patients (85%) underwent conventional neck exploration (CNE); with resection of fewer than 3½ enlarged glands in 21 patients (40%), subtotal parathyroidectomy (SPTX, 3-3½ glands) in seventeen (33%) and total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation (TPTX) in six (12%). Eleven patients (21%) had persistent disease, 29 (56%) recurrent PHPT and nine (17%) permanent hypoparathyroidism, mostly after TPTX. Of 16 MEN2A patients, six (38%) underwent MIP, four (25%) CNE and six (38%) selective resection of the enlarged gland(s) during total thyroidectomy. Three patients (19%) suffered from persistent PHPT and two (13%) developed recurrent disease.ConclusionsSporadic PHPT, MEN1- and MEN2A-related PHPT are three distinct entities as is reflected preoperatively by differences in gender, age at diagnosis and calcium and PTH levels.MEN2A patients are very similar to sPHPT with respect to operative approach and findings. MIP is the treatment of choice for both. MIP has low rates of persistent and recurrent PHPT and a low complication rate. The percentage of multiglandular disease and recurrences are significantly higher in MEN1 patients, demonstrating the need for a different approach. We advocate treating these patients with CNE and SPTX.

Minimal invasive parathyroidectomy with local anesthesia for well-localized primary hyperparathyroidism: “Cerrahpasa experience”

Imaging guided well-localized single gland excision via smaller incision without intraoperative parathormone (ioPTH) can be performed in ambulatory settings. Forty-six consecutive patients with solitary parathyroid adenoma causing primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), who underwent laterally approached minimal invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) through 2-3 cm incision between January 2011 and April 2012, were included in the study. All data were collected prospectively; analyzed retrospectively. Intervention with local anesthesia was applied to 46 patients. Parathyroidectomy with local anesthesia and IV sedation was successfully completed in 42 of those. Forty-two patients had biochemically confirmed PHPT; single gland disease was supported by imaging methods. Localization was decided in 15 patients just with USG, in 11 patients just with scintigraphy, and in 16 patients with both. Preoperative mean serum total calcium value was 11.13 ± 1.02 mg/dl. Immediate postoperative and postoperative 2nd week's serum calcium levels were 10.62 ± 1.43 mg/dl (p = 0.006), 9.24 ± 0.79 mg/dl (p < 0.001), respectively. Preoperative mean serum PTH value was 434.17 ± 550.22 pg/ml. Immediate postoperative and postoperative 2nd week's PTH values were 34.69 ± 28.50 pg/ml (p < 0.001), 91.21 ± 81.86 pg/ml (p < 0.001), respectively. In all interventions, no ioPTH assay or frozen section was performed. Forty-one patients (97.62 %) had reduction of serum PTH levels equal or more than 50 %. Cure rate for short-term follow-up was also 97.62 %. One patient had persistent hypercalcemia. Mean operation time was 15:09 ± 6:38 min (range 5:30-35:00). For all excised parathyroid adenomas, average weight was 2,278 ± 1,653.01 mg (range 100-8,000). For patients with well-localized single gland disease, MIP with local anesthesia and IV sedation have high cure rates and less morbidity at experienced centers without general anesthesia and hospital stay.

Safety and efficacy of minimally-invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) under local anaesthesia without intra-operative PTH measurement

BackgroundMinimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) is the choice of treatment in patients with sporadic adenomas localized on preoperative imaging. Currently there is no centre in the UK which performs this procedure under local anaesthesia. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of MIP under local anaesthesia in patients with sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). MethodsThis is a prospective, nonrandomized study of 86 patients with pHPT localized with Tc99m Sestamibi scan and ultrasound. MIPs were performed under local anaesthesia and sedation at the Oxford University Hospitals.Serum Ca and PTH were measured before discharge, at 6 weeks follow up, and at 6 months. Main outcome measures were cure at 6 months, complications with the procedure and operative time. Results86 patients (58 females: 28 males) with a mean age of 65 (range 24–87) underwent MIP under local anaesthesia and sedation. All patients (100%) were normocalcaemic at 6 months following surgery. There was no incidence of temporary or permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy or persistent hypercalcaemia. Two patients had temporary hypocalcaemia that resolved in 6 weeks. In one patient the neck incision needed extension for bleeding, with no incidence of wound haematoma or infection. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that MIP (without ioPTH) can be safely performed under local anaesthesia for patients with sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism.

The increasing role of minimal invasive radioguided parathyroidectomy for treating single parathyroid adenoma

The increasing role of minimal invasive radioguided parathyroidectomy for treating single parathyroid adenoma

Does Contrast-Enhanced Cervical Ultrasonography Improve Preoperative Localization Results in Patients With Sporadic Primary Hyperparathyroidism?

Objective:Pre-operative localization studies are inevitable in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT), who are eligible for focused or minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP). High-resolution ultrasonography (US) in combination with planar 99mTc-Sestamibi-scintigraphy (MIBI) and additional single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) are the standard procedures to localize enlarged parathyroid glands. Our aim was to evaluate the practicability and significance of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in patients with pHPT.Materials and Methods:All investigations were performed at the University Hospital Marburg. Totally, 25 patients with biochemical proven pHPT underwent preoperative US, MIBI/SPECT, and CEUS. For CEUS, a suspension of phospholipid-stabilized sulfur-hexafluoride (SF6) microbubbles in combination with a special 12 MHz linear US probe was used. All patients were investigated by two sonographers, who did not get to view the findings noted by the other. Finally, surgery was performed and histopathological results were obtained from 24 patients.Results:In 17 (68%) patients, US and MIBI/SPECT already raised suspicion of parathyroid lesions and all suspected lesions were reassessed by CEUS. However, no additional information was obtained using CEUS. Especially in eight patients with negative or inconsistent US and MIBI/SPECT results, CEUS did not provide additional information regarding the site of the suspected parathyroid adenoma. Overall, no side effects were observed using CEUS. Surgical cure was achieved in all patients.Conclusion:In this limited cohort of patients, no additional information could be obtained using the costly CEUS compared to results of US and MIBI/SPECT.

Is minimally invasive parathyroidectomy associated with greater recurrence compared to bilateral exploration? Analysis of more than 1,000 cases

The durability of minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) has been questioned, and some advocate for routine open parathyroidectomy (OP). This study compared outcomes between patients treated with MIP compared with OP for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). A retrospective review was performed to identify cases of PHPT with single adenomas (SA) between 2001 and 2011. Operations were classified as OP when both sides were explored. Kaplan-Meier estimates were plotted and compared by the log-rank test. We analyzed 1,083 patients with PHPT with SA; 928 (85.7%) were MIP and 155 (14.3%) were OP. There was no difference in the rates of persistence (0.2% MIP vs 0% OP, P = .61) or recurrence (2.5% MIP vs 1.9% OP, P = .68) between the 2 groups. The Kaplan-Meier estimates did, however, began to separate beyond 8 years' follow-up. The OP group did experience a greater incidence of transient hypocalcemia postoperatively (1.9% vs 0.1%, P = .01). MIP appears equivalent to OP in single-gland disease. Although patients undergoing OP experienced more transient hypocalcemia, patients undergoing MIP appear to have a greater long-term recurrence rate. Therefore, proper patient selection and counseling of these risks is necessary for either approach.

Efficacy of 99mTc-sestamibi SPECT/CT for minimally invasive parathyroidectomy: comparative study with 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy, SPECT, US and CT

We evaluated the efficacy of (99m)Tc-sestamibi SPECT/CT for planning minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP), comparing with dual phase (99m)Tc-sestamibi scintigraphy, (99m)Tc-sestamibi SPECT and conventional imaging (US and CT). Thirty-one patients (M:F = 10:21, range 35-78 years old) who showed high serum parathyroid hormone (intact PTH) level were included. (99m)Tc-sestamibi scintigraphy was performed 15 and 150 min after injection of (99m)Tc-sestamibi (555 MBq), and (99m)Tc-sestamibi SPECT/CT was obtained just after the delayed scan. Comparison study between imaging modalities was done by patient-based and lesion location-based analysis. The location of the lesion was confirmed by the operative finding. An operation was performed in 24 patients. Seven patients had normal (99m)Tc-sestamibi SPECT/CT, and followed for more than 6 months after SPECT/CT. Among 24 patients, parathyroid adenoma was detected in 19 patients and the other 5 had parathyroid hyperplasia (total 35 lesions). (99m)Tc-sestamibi scintigraphy detected abnormal uptake in 15 patients with 24 lesions. Conventional imaging identified abnormal findings in 17 patients with 27 lesions. SPECT detected abnormal findings in 18 patients with 27 lesions. SPECT/CT identified abnormal findings in 24 patients with 35 lesions. SPECT/CT demonstrated 100 % sensitivity in a patient-based analysis. SPECT/CT exhibited significantly better sensitivity than (99m)Tc-sestamibi scintigraphy, SPECT and conventional imaging (p < 0.05). All lesion location was correctly identified to perform MIP. The final clinical diagnosis of 7 normal SPECT/CT patients was secondary hyperparathyroidism on 6 months follow-up. We correctly identified the precise location of parathyroid adenomas or hyperplasia by (99m)Tc-sestamibi SPECT/CT which was helpful to perform MIP.

Feasibility of Rapid Parathormone Assay for Enabling Minimally Invasive Parathyroid Excision

There is no doubt that the success of minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) has changed the whole treatment of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, especially the approach towards traditional bilateral neck exploration. A single adenoma is the most common cause of primary hyperparathyroidism and its removal results in cure. Hence, it is worth the effort to localise and excise the single adenoma using modern technologies such as high-quality sestamibi scans and to confirm complete excision using rapid intra operative parathormone (IOPTH) assays. The objective of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of rapid IOPTH assay in successfully facilitating minimally invasive parathyroid excision. This research involved the retrospective study of seven patients, who underwent MIP at Sagar Hospital in Bengaluru, India, for parathyroid adenoma. All patients with evidence of unifocal disease on sestamibi scanning and cervical ultrasonography, underwent MIP via 2-3cm lateral incision. Blood samples for measurement of IOPTH were taken at the time of induction of anaesthesia and 10min after the adenoma excision. Reduction of parathormone (PTH) levels of more than 50% in the postexcision sample was taken as evidence for complete extirpation of parathyroid adenoma. A solitary adenoma was identified in all the seven patients. After MIP, IOPTH levels fell in six of the seven patients. Following the surgery, all the cases were followed up for a period of 1month. During this time, except for one patient, six patients remained asymptomatic and blood tests revealed normal serum calcium levels. A histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma in six of the seven patients. After accurate preoperative localisation of the adenoma in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, MIP with IOPTH measurement offers a safe and successful outcome.

Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy in patients with previous neck surgery

Previous neck surgery (PNS) in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) is considered as a contraindication for minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP). The purpose of our study was to determine the effectiveness of MIP in such patients. From January 2003 to June 2011, 380 patients with PHP were treated in our department; 42 had had previous neck surgery. Twenty-seven (27/42) were selected to have MIP; the remaining 15 patients had traditional neck explorations. Selection criteria for MIP were unilateral single or two gland disease localized preoperatively with at least two imaging techniques and patient's informed consent. Imaging studies included high resolution neck ultrasound and sestamibi scan in the majority, and CT scan, selective venous sampling and MRI in seven patients. The type of operation done included unilateral approach under local anesthesia (UALA) (22 cases) with one conversion to general anesthesia and minimally invasive parathyroidectomy under general anesthesia (MIPG) (5 cases). Twenty-six of the 27 patients became normocalcemic after the operation. The patient with persistent hypercalcemia underwent successful parathyroidectomy 8 months later via mesothoracoscopy, since the parathyroid gland was localized correctly but was beyond access via neck. A single adenoma was found in 21 cases and hyperplasia in six. There were no conversions to traditional exploration and no postoperative complications. Mean duration of the procedure and length of stay were similar to MIP in patients without PNS. Mean follow-up of 40 months (4-89 months) did not reveal any recurrence. These results illustrate that MIP is a valuable option in selected patients with PHP and PNS associated with no morbidity (0%), high biochemical cure rate (96.3% in this series) and rapid recovery, while it also substantially lowers the cost of the procedure. Preoperative localization with two or more agreeing imaging techniques eliminates the need for intraoperative sestamibi or qPTH test.

Technetium-99m-sestamibi Imaging: Are the Results Dependent on the Reviewer?

Introduction: Minimally–invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) is dependent on accurate preoperative parathyroid localization. We hypothesized that surgeon recognition of subtle differences in radiotracer accumulation would increase the sensitivity of technetium-99m-sestamibi imaging and result in more frequent use of MIP. Methods: Technetium-99m-sestamibi scans completed at our institution for patients who underwent resection of a solitary parathyroid adenoma were reviewed by a surgeon and a radiologist who were blinded to the identifying information of the patient, the prior interpretation of the scan and the results of operation.

Parathyroidectomy in a district general hospital: Outcomes and evolution in the era of minimally invasive surgery

AimTo determine the outcomes of bilateral neck exploration (BNE) and uptake as well as outcomes of minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) for primary hyperparathyroidism in a district general hospital (DGH). MethodsPatients who underwent first-time parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism between August 1999 and December 2010 were identified from a prospectively maintained database of a single surgeon and were analysed for outcomes of MIP and BNE. MIP was adopted in 2006 and prior to that all patients underwent BNE. Results were analysed on an intention-to-treat basis. ResultsA total of 368 patients underwent parathyroid surgery; BNE (n = 314) and MIP (n = 54). Overall cure rate was 97%. Intention-to-treat analysis, based on surgical approach, showed cure rates of 96.5% with BNE and 96.3% with MIP (p = 1.0). Of the 92 patients assessed for MIP, localisation by ultrasound and sestamibi were noted in 60 (65%) and 65 (71%) patients respectively; however, concordance between the scans was noted in only 54 (59%) patients. Of the 54 patients who underwent MIP, 5 (9.2%) were converted to BNE. Intention-to-treat analysis, based on preoperative imaging, showed cure rates of 96% with BNE and 98% with MIP (p = 0.53). ConclusionsSatisfactory cure rates for parathyroidectomy are achievable in a ‘medium-volume’ endocrine unit within a DGH. Preoperative localisation studies with USS and MIBI have a positive concordance rate in only 60% of those considered for MIP, thereby limiting the use of MIP and reinforcing the role of BNE in this era of minimally invasive surgery.

Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy for primary hyperthyroidism guided by intra-operative parathyroid hormone monitoring

s / International Journal of Surgery 10 (2012) S1–S52 S32 ABSTRACTS course of IA mean free T4 was 30 pmol/L and 11.4 pmol/L respectively (range: 9.4 to 22.7 pmol/L). There were no adverse effects to IA. Therewere no complications following surgery. Conclusions: Iopanoic acid is safe and effective in rapidly controlling thyrotoxicosis prior to total thyroidectomy. 0623: SESTA-MIBI SCANS, CAN THEY PREDICT INTRATHYROID PARATHYROID ADENOMA? Rachel French, R.K. Maitra, Vijay Kurup. North Tees University Hospital, Stockton-on-Tees, UK Aim: To evaluate the role of sesta-mibi scans in predicting intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma in primary hyperparathyroidism. Method: Retrospective analysis of parathyroidectomies performed in a distric general hospital during the last 6 years(2005-11). Sesta-mibi scans were performed pre-operatively in all patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Where no adenoma was identified during exploration of neck, a hemithyroidectomy was performed on the side suggested by sestamibi scan. Results: 78 patients had exploration of neck, 82% female, 18% male, with a mean age 62 years. Sestamibi was positive in 60 patients and 54 had parathyroid adenoma identified on exploration. 6 patients after a failed neck exploration underwent hemithyroidectomy . Histology revealed intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma in 5 patients(83%) . Out of 18 patients with negative scans 14 had an adenoma removed. Sestamibi scans had a sensitivity of 81% and positive predictive value of 98.3%. Conclusion: Sestamibi scan helped to identify 5patients with intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma when neck exploration was negative. When no adenoma is visible on exploration a hemithyroidectomy at the side suggested by the scan is justified. 0681: MINIMALLY INVASIVE PARATHYROIDECTOMY FOR PRIMARY HYPERTHYROIDISM GUIDED BY INTRA-OPERATIVE PARATHYROID HORMONE MONITORING Alison Lyon , O.O. Komolafe , Christopher Wilson . University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Western Infirmary, Glasgow, UK Aim: Intra-operative parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels can demonstrate successful removal of a parathyroid adenoma during minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. However, this technique remains controversial due to variations in blood sampling and excision criteria. In this study, we explored the success rate of our technique. Methods: A consecutive series of 92 patients with histologically confirmed primary hyperparathyroidism was analysed retrospectively. All were treated with a minimally invasive technique. Serum PTH levels were checked prior to gland removal and twenty minutes after gland removal to confirm a decrease of greater than 50%, which was considered to indicate a curative procedure. Results: The median pre-operative PTH level was 14.35ng/L (interquartile range (IQR) 10.7-20.3). The two week post operative median level was 5.4ng/L (IQR 3.4-7) and median adjusted calcium level was 2.39mmol/L (IQR 2.28-2.5). The average intraoperative PTH decrease was 75.6%. Of the 92 patients, 8 (8.7%) required multiple gland removal due to adenoma location differing to that indicated by preoperative imaging (3 were retrosternal). The biochemical cure rate within this cohort was 98%. 2 patients had no intraoperative PTH drop and persisting hypercalcaemia. They underwent further imaging and curative surgery. Conclusion: Intra-operative PTH monitoring is a useful adjunct to minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. 0721: PATIENT OUTCOME FOLLOWING LAPAROSCOPIC BILATERAL ADRENALECTOMY Carol Watson, Craig Parnaby, Patrick ODwyer. Gartnavel General Hospital,

Additional Imaging Following a Negative Sestamibi Scan in Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Background: The objective of this study was to assess the additional yield of US and CT following a “negative” initial MIBI-scintigraphy (MIBI) in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Methods: Prospective data were collected regarding 100 consecutive patients, preferentially undergoing a minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP). MIBI was the initial imaging study for localizing a solitary adenoma, followed by US and CT (US/CT) in “MIBI-negative”-patients. Results: Surgery led to normocalcemia in 98 patients (98%) after one operation. Overall 97 patients had solitary parathyroid disease while three patients had multiglandular disease. The sensitivity of imaging increased from 74% for MIBI alone to 92% following subsequent US/CT in “MIBI-negative”-patients. The positive predictive value of a “positive” MIBI was 96% and 76% of a positive US/CT following negative MIBI. The proportion of patients who underwent successful MIP increased from 60 to 72%. Conclusions: MIBI and the combination of US and CT are complementary imaging studies. Additional localization studies after a negative sestamibi scan enhances the number of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism profiting from a minimally invasive approach.

A Comparison of Outcomes for Younger and Older Adult Patients Undergoing Surgery for Primary Hyperparathyroidism

In adolescents and young adults, primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is an uncommon diagnosis. We compared the clinical characteristics of these patients to those of older adult patients with PHPT. We hypothesized that PHPT in adolescents and young adults is more often caused by single-gland disease and is amenable to minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 452 consecutive patients who had surgery for PHPT. Patients ranged in age from 13 to 94 years and were dichotomized into younger (age <30 years, n = 17, 3.8%) and older (age ≥ 30 years, n = 435, 96.2%) patients. Continuous baseline and intraoperative and postoperative measures were not normally distributed and were summarized with medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs). Groups were compared using Wilcoxon rank sum test or Fisher exact test, and significance was set at P < .05. Median [IQR] age was 24 [23-27] years for the younger group and 58 [51-66] years for the older group. Though not statistically significant, a smaller proportion of the younger patients compared with the older patients had a positive (99m)Tc-sestamibi scan (71%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 44-90% vs. 83%; 95% CI = 79-86%) and showed a suspected parathyroid adenoma on ultrasound (65%; 95% CI = 38-86% vs. 80%; 95% CI = 76-83%). The younger and older age groups did not significantly differ on preoperative serum PTH levels (median [IQR]: 111 [76-145] pg/ml vs 110 [84-152] pg/ml; P = .73 respectively). The younger group had higher serum calcium levels (11.6 [11.1-12.2] mg/dl) compared with the older group (11.1 [10.7-11.5] mg/dl; P = .01). MIP was performed less frequently on the younger patients (70.6%) compared with older patients (88.7%; P = 0.04). Though the incidence of a single adenoma was somewhat more frequent in older patients (90%; 95% CI = 87-93%) than in younger patients (82%; 95% CI = 57-96%) it was the most frequent cause of PHPT in the younger patients. The younger and older groups did not significantly differ on percent drop from baseline for intraoperative PTH monitoring (81.7 vs 79.3%; P = .46), respectively. Younger patients with PHPT present with significantly higher serum calcium levels than older patients. However, younger patients are less likely to localize abnormal parathyroid glands on sestamibi or ultrasound. Though younger patients appear to have a higher incidence of hyperplasia compared with older patients, single gland disease is still the overall most frequent cause. Our data suggest that MIP should be more frequently considered in younger patients because of the high incidence of single gland disease.

Changing practices in the surgical management of hyperparathyroidism – A 10-year review

AimParathyroid surgery has undergone a paradigm shift over the last decade, with a move from traditional bilateral neck exploration to minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP), and increasing reliance on pre- and intra-operative localization of overactive glands. We aimed to assess changing surgical practices and their impact on the management of parathyroid disease in a tertiary referral centre in the West of Ireland. MethodsA retrospective cohort analysis of those patients undergoing a surgical intervention for parathyroid disease in the period between 1999 and 2009 in our centre was carried out. Data was analysed using PASW (v18) software. Results248 procedures were performed, increasing from an annual rate of 6 in 1999 to 45 in 2009. 129 procedures were completed by minimally invasive means, following the introduction of MIP in 2003. Single-gland disease accounted for 87% of cases (n = 216) with carcinomas in 2 patients (0.8%). Pre-operative localization had disappointing diagnostic value, with high false negative rates for both ultrasound (37.3%) and Sestamibi Scanning (35.81%). Intra-operative adjuncts were more helpful, with intra-operative Parathyroid hormone monitoring facilitating curative resection of adenomas in 94.03% at 10 min. Median length of post-operative stay has significantly decreased from 6 days in 1999 to 1 night only in 2009 (p < 0.01, ANOVA). Those patients undergoing MIP had shorter stay than the open group (1.71 days -v-4.73, p = 0.003,t-test). ConclusionThe practice in our centre has shifted to a less invasive approach. Increased utilisation of intra-operative adjuncts has facilitated this change, and resulted in favourable changes in length of stay, extent of dissection, and number of patients treated.

Long‐Term Outcome in Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism who Underwent Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy

Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) has become a well-accepted treatment for selected patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). However, few studies have evaluated long-term outcomes for this operative approach. We therefore chose to examine both the long-term symptom resolution and biochemical cure following MIP for PHPT. A total of 460 PHPT patients who underwent a MIP between 2004 and 2009 were successfully mailed a questionnaire that assessed preoperative and postoperative Parathyroidectomy Assessment of Symptoms (PAS) scores, most recent calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, and information about any reoperation for PHPT. Long-term evaluation of symptomatic and biochemical cure was performed. A total of 200 patients (43.5%) responded to our correspondence. The mean age of the patients was 58.7 ± 11.9 years, 74.5% were female, and 78.5% were Caucasian. The mean follow-up was 37 ± 19 months. The mean PAS scores fell by 117 ± 14 at long-term follow-up after MIP (P < 0.0001). All 13 symptoms comprising the PAS score diminished, of which ten did so significantly (P < 0.01). There was a significant drop in the mean serum calcium (preop. 11.1 mg/dl, postop. 9.6 mg/dl; P < 0.0001) and PTH (preop. 130.9 pg/ml, postop. 45.7 pg/ml; P < 0.0001) at long-term follow-up. Five patients (2.5%) developed recurrent disease (calcium > 10.5 mg/dl), and one (0.5%) underwent a reoperation for persistent disease and was subsequently cured. This study demonstrates that MIP has long-term benefits in terms of excellent symptom resolution and a high biochemical cure rate (97%) in selected patients who have PHPT, preoperative localization with sestamibi scans, and assessment of intraoperative PTH level.

Is Focused Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy Appropriate for Patients With Familial Primary Hyperparathyroidism?

The aim of this study was to determine whether a focused minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) for patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and concordant pre-operative localization studies is appropriate for patients with a family history of the disease. Familial hyperparathyroidism may be seen as a chronic disease in which recurrence is inevitable. Patients frequently undergo subtotal or total parathyroidectomy for perceived 4-gland parathyroid hyperplasia in an attempt to reduce this risk. Controversy remains regarding whether a MIP is appropriate in this setting. Patients undergoing an MIP were identified from prospectively maintained databases. Chart review confirmed the presence of a family history of hyperparathyroidism in a direct relative. Patients with and without a family history were compared regarding overall complications, recurrence, and cure rates. A total of 1,652 patients underwent a MIP. Of these, 34 patients had a positive family history. There was no statistically significant difference in age, gender, preoperative biochemistry, gland weight, or complication rates between the groups. The cure rate at 6 months from a single operation was equivalent between the 2 groups (97 vs. 98%). With a median of 39 months follow-up, the recurrence rate was higher in those with a family history compared with those without (8.8 vs 1.1%; P=0.002). Reoperation was successful in the small population of familial patients who did present with recurrent hyperparathyroidism. The vast majority of patients who underwent a MIP were surgically cured. Although recurrence rates remain higher in the familial hyperparathyroidism group, these data suggest that this alone should not be a contraindication to MIP.