Surgical Management Of Primary Hyperparathyroidism Research Articles

F18-Choline PET/CT or MIBI SPECT/CT in the Surgical Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Whether F18-choline (FCH) positron emission tomographic (PET)/computed tomographic (CT) scan can replace Tc99m-sestaMIBI (MIBI) single-photon emission (SPE)CT/CT as a first-line imaging technique for preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas (PTA) in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is unclear. To compare first-line FCH PET/CT vs MIBI SPECT/CT for optimal care in patients with PHPT needing parathyroidectomy and to compare the proportions of patients in whom the first-line imaging method resulted in successful minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) and normalization of calcemia 1 month after surgery. A French multicenter randomized open diagnostic intervention phase 3 trial was conducted. Patients were enrolled from November 2019 to May 2022 and participated up to 6 months after surgery. The study included adults with PHPT and an indication for surgical treatment. Patients with previous parathyroid surgery or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) were ineligible. Patients were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive first-line FCH PET/CT (FCH1) or MIBI SPECT/CT (MIBI1). In the event of negative or inconclusive first-line imaging, they received second-line FCH PET/CT (FCH2) after MIBI1 or MIBI SPECT/CT (MIBI2) after FCH1. All patients underwent surgery under general anesthesia within 12 weeks following the last imaging. Clinical and biologic (serum calcemia and parathyroid hormone levels) assessments were performed 1 and 6 months after surgery. The primary outcome was a true-positive first-line imaging-guided MIP combined with uncorrected serum calcium levels of 2.55 mmol/l or less 1 month after surgery, corresponding to the local upper limit of normality. Overall, 57 patients received FCH1 (n = 29) or MIBI1 (n = 28). The mean (SD) age of patients was 62.8 (12.5) years with 15 male (26%) and 42 female (74%) patients. Baseline patient characteristics were similar between groups. Normocalcemia at 1 month after positive first-line imaging-guided MIP was observed in 23 of 27 patients (85%) in the FCH1 group and 14 of 25 patients (56%) in the MIBI1 group. Sensitivity was 82% (95% CI, 62%-93%) and 63% (95% CI, 42%-80%) for FCH1 and MIBI1, respectively. Follow-up at 6 months with biochemical measures was available in 43 patients, confirming that all patients with normocalcemia at 1 month after surgery still had it at 6 months. No adverse events related to imaging and 4 adverse events related to surgery were reported. This randomized clinical trial found that first-line FCH PET/CT is a suitable and safe replacement for MIBI SPECT/CT. FCH PET/CT leads more patients with PHPT to correct imaging-guided MIP and normocalcemia than MIBI SPECT/CT thanks to its superior sensitivity. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04040946.

First-line F18-choline PET/CT Versus Tc99m-sestaMIBI SPECT/CT in the surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism: a diagnostic randomized phase III trial

First-line F18-choline PET/CT Versus Tc99m-sestaMIBI SPECT/CT in the surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism: a diagnostic randomized phase III trial

Predictive factors of Hungry Bone Syndrome after surgical management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is characterized by hypercalcemia due to inappropriate parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion mostly caused by a single adenoma. Clinical manifestations vary and include bone loss (osteopenia, osteoporosis), kidney stones, asthenia and psychiatric disorders. In 80 % of cases PHPT is asymptomatic. Secondary causes of elevated PTH such as renal insufficiency and/or vitamin D deficiency should be excluded, and 24-hour calciuria should be measured to rule out familial hyocalciuric hypercalcemia. Surgery requires radiological tests: a cervical ultrasound to exclude concomitant thyroid pathology and a functional examination (Sestamibi scintigraphy or F-choline PET scan). Management should be discussed in a multidisciplinary team. Treatment is surgical and can also be offered to asymptomatic patients.

Surgical challenges of giant parathyroid adenomas weighing 10g or more.

An average parathyroid adenoma (PA) weighs < 1g. This study aimed to characterise giant PAs ≥ 10g (GPAs) to facilitate surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). All patients with a GPA confirmed on histology were recruited from the Monash University Endocrine Surgery Unit database. Clinical and demographic data were collected and compared to a group of non-GPA patients. A total of 14 GPAs were identified between 2007 and 2018 out of 863 patients (1.6%) with a single PA excised for PHPT. The GPA patients were compared to a control group of 849 non-GPA patients in the same period with similar mean age (62 ± 16 vs 63 ± 14, P = 0.66) and gender distribution (64% vs 75% female, P = 0.35). Pre-operative calcium (Ca) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were significantly higher in GPA patients (P < 0.001). A higher percentage of GPA patients (79%) had concordant localisation studies (ultrasound and sestamibi) than control patients (59%), (P = 0.13), but they were significantly less likely to undergo MIP (55% vs 82%, P = 0.02). The median GPA weighed 12.5g (IQR 10.5-24.3). Median serum Ca normalised by day 1 post-operatively, while PTH remained elevated. Both serum Ca and PTH levels were in the normal range at 3 months. All GPA lesions were benign on histopathology. GPAs are rare and display severe clinical and biochemical abnormalities. Despite their large size, concordant pre-operative imaging was not always achieved, and a few patients were suitable for MIP.

Are patients with limited English proficiency less likely to undergo parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyoidism?

BackgroundDespite meeting operative indications for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), many patients never undergo parathyroidectomy. We hypothesized that patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) would be less likely to undergo parathyroidectomy than English-proficient (EP) patients. Study designWe retrospectively analyzed patients with PHPT from an institution-wide registry who met operative criteria between 2010 and 2018. The cohort was stratified by English proficiency. Univariate associations between sociodemographic and clinical factors with parathyroidectomy were assessed. A multivariable logistic regression model was created to assess independent predictors of parathyroidectomy. ResultsAmong a cohort of 1,104 patients, 262 (24%) underwent parathyroidectomy. LEP patients (n = 135, 12%) were significantly younger (mean age 62 vs. 69, p < 0.001), more likely non-white race and ethnicity (p < 0.001), and less likely to have private insurance (p < 0.001). After adjusting for covariates, non-English and non-Spanish preferred language was an independent negative predictor of undergoing parathyroidectomy (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.21–0.95, p = 0.037). ConclusionsLimited English proficiency may be an independent barrier to appropriate surgical management of PHPT. Systems-level and disease-specific interventions are needed to address this disparity faced by patients with LEP.

Changes in Imaging Utilization for Primary Hyperparathyroidism.

Primary hyperparathyroidism is now largely managed surgically via minimally invasive techniques. This shift was aided by preoperative imaging, which saw drastic increases in utilization in the 1990s. Since then, it is unclear how the role of preoperative imaging has changed with regard to surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism. This study aims to describe the trend in preoperative localization techniques for surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism using career data from two endocrine surgeons over the last 20years. Parathyroid case data was obtained from two endocrine surgeons spanning two institutions from 2000-2018. Demographic and clinical data was obtained for each patient at the time of surgery, including record of any preoperative imaging performed. Data was analyzed temporally using four 5-year periods to evaluate changes in imaging utilization over time. 1734 patients were identified who underwent parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism. Mean age of the cohort was 60 years (range 10-94) with 78% being female. Overall, we identified a significant decrease in imaging utilization over the time periods (see table, P < .05). Ultrasound and CT use increased, while frequency of sestamibi and thallium-technetium scans decreased. Length of stay was also noted to decrease over time. There was no significant difference in cure rates between the four time periods, though recurrence was found to decrease over time. The rates of preoperative imaging and length of stay decreased over time for surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism. Despite the decrease in imaging, cure rates have appeared to remain the same.

The Role of Preoperative Ultrasound and Sestamibi Scintigraphy in the Surgical Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A Review of Literature

Background: Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is one of the most common endocrine diseases and the most common cause of hypercalcemia. Since routine laboratory testing, the prevalence of the disease has increased from 0.1% to 0.4% worldwide. The only curative treatment is parathyroidectomy. Nowadays, preoperative localization studies have become standard before surgical treatment, and the first stage imaging methods are cervical ultrasonography (US) and/or Sestamibi scintigraphy. Objectives: To describe the accuracy of US and Sestamibi for detection of hyperfunctioning parathyroid adenomas preoperatively in patients with confirmed pHPT from our medical institution. Results: This is a retrospective study from a prospectively kept database that included thirty-one patients with the confirmed diagnosis of pHPT clinically and biochemically. The average age was 57.8 years old. Preoperative US and surgery findings were compared with a sensitivity of 51%. Preoperative Sestamibi and surgery findings were compared resulting in a sensitivity of 71%. Both imaging methods combined, resulted in a sensitivity of 80%. Conclusion: In patients with pHPT, Sestamibi is an effective method for localizing parathyroid pathology preoperatively, but the false negative rate can be high. US tends to have a wider range explained by the operator-dependent factor. The combination of US and Sestamibi reduces the rate of false negatives, as reported in international literature. It is important to mention that these studies cannot be used as a confirmatory test for this disease. It should only be used as an adjunct to help plan the operation.

Variation in surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism in the US Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system: A 15-year observational study

BackgroundPrimary hyperparathyroidism is underdiagnosed and undertreated nationally despite the benefits of parathyroidectomy. However, the degree of hospital-level variation in the management of primary hyperparathyroidism is unknown. MethodsWe performed a national, retrospective study of Veterans with primary hyperparathyroidism using the Veterans Affairs Corporate Data Warehouse from January 2000 to September 2015. The objective was to characterize the extent of hospital-level variation in the use of parathyroidectomy for the management of primary hyperparathyroidism within a national, integrated healthcare system. Rate of parathyroidectomy in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism was stratified by (1) geographic region, (2) facility complexity level, (3) volume of parathyroidectomies per facility, and (4) frequency of parathyroid hormone testing in hypercalcemic patients. ResultsAmong 47,158 Veterans with primary hyperparathyroidism, 6,048 (12.8%) underwent parathyroidectomy. Rates of parathyroidectomy were significantly higher in the Continental (17.0%) and Pacific (16.0%) regions than in other areas (11.4%, P < .01). The highest complexity referral centers had the highest rate of parathyroidectomy (13.6%) compared with all other facilities (12.1%, P < .01). Centers that performed the highest volume of parathyroidectomies were more likely to offer surgery (13.3%) than low volume centers (8.9%, P < .01). Facilities with higher frequency of parathyroid hormone testing among hypercalcemic patients were more likely to offer parathyroidectomy (15.2%) than those with the lowest parathyroid hormone testing frequency (12.6%, P < .01). ConclusionAlthough there is notable variation in parathyroidectomy use for definitive treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism between Veterans Affairs facilities, parathyroidectomy rates are low across the entire system. Further research is needed to understand additional local contextual and other patient and clinician-level factors for the undertreatment of primary hyperparathyroidism to subsequently guide corrective interventions.

Single Center Experience in the Surgical Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism.

Objectives.As calcium included as a part of routine laboratory screening early diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) has been increased. Surgical resection of parathyroid adenoma or hyperplasia still is the mainstay of the treatment for most PHPT patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate of the surgical outcomes of patients with PHPT that referred to our ENT department of our University Hospital for the last 6 years.Methods.One hundred thirty-seven patients with PHPT who underwent parathyroid surgery in our clinic between October 2011 and January 2018 included in this retrospective study. Data on demographics, clinical findings, past medical history, preoperative laboratory values in 3 months, preoperative localizing imaging studies including ultrasonography (USG) and 99mTc-sestamibi (methoxyisobutyl isonitrile, [MIBI]) scan, operative findings, postoperative laboratory values, and pathology reports were recorded. MIBI scan and USG are used as the first-line modalities in our center. Single-photon emission computed tomography was used for challenging situations of re-exploration and ectopic parathyroid pathology. Four-dimensional computed tomography scanning is was preferred as the last imaging modality. Focused unilateral neck exploration (FUNE) was performed with intraoperative frozen section analysis as a routine procedure. Bilateral neck exploration (BNE) was used only in re-exploration, ectopic parathyroid, and with high suspicion of multigland disease.Results.Totally 137 patients (female:male, 3:3; mean age, 54.6±13.2 years) included in the study. Single parathyroid adenoma was found in 108 patients (78.8%). Most common adenoma localization was left inferior parathyroid gland (46.7%). FUNE was performed in 89.8% of the patients and BNE for 10.2% of the patients. Postoperative normocalcemia was reached in 132 patients and permanent hypocalcemia was observed in two patients. Persistence hypercalcemia observed in three patients. Postoperative pathology reports revealed three patients have parathyroid carcinoma.Conclusion.Preoperative imaging modalities is very important in parathyroidectomy surgery. Routine use of preoperative imaging modalities reduced the risk of complications in our clinic.

Skeletal effects of combined medical and surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism

BackgroundParathyroidectomy (PTX) increases bone mineral density and decreases fracture risk in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. This study examined the effect of adding bisphosphonates either before or after PTX on skeletal outcomes. MethodsA retrospective cohort study of bisphosphonate-naïve patients (1995-2016) with osteoporosis and primary hyperparathyroidism (calcium >10.5 mg/dL; PTH >65) was performed. Time-varying Cox regression was used to estimate an adjusted risk of any fracture in 5 comparison groups: observation, bisphosphonates alone, PTX alone, bisphosphonates then PTX, and PTX then bisphosphonates. The secondary outcome was change in bone mineral density of the hip. ResultsThe cohort comprised 1,737 patients, of whom 303 underwent PTX (17%), 433 received bisphosphonates only (25%), 125 had bisphosphonates then PTX (7%), and 69 had PTX then bisphosphonates (4%). PTX was associated with a decrease in fracture risk (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.35–0.84), as was bisphosphonates then PTX (HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.25–0.83). In contrast, the fracture risks associated with PTX then bisphosphonates (HR 1.09, 95% CI 0.65–1.81) and bisphosphonates alone (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.62–1.08) were similar to observation. Hip bone mineral density increased after both PTX (5.50%, 95% CI 3.39–7.61) and PTX then bisphosphonates (6.30%, 95% CI 2.53–10.07). ConclusionBisphosphonate initiation after PTX may interfere with the beneficial effects of PTX on fracture risk in osteoporotic patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Robot-Assisted Thoracoscopic Mediastinal Parathyroidectomy: A Single Surgeon Case Series.

Objective: Minimally invasive (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) mediastinal parathyroidectomy has been described as a technique for surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism due to ectopic parathyroid adenoma. Herein, we present the largest cohort of patients (n = 8) treated with robot-assisted mediastinal parathyroidectomy and describe our technique for this procedure, pre- and intraoperative variables, and postoperative outcomes. Materials and Methods: A single surgeon, single institution case series of eight consecutive robot-assisted mediastinal parathyroidectomies performed from April 2013 to March 2018. Preoperative workup, intraoperative variables, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. Results: Of the eight patients, seven were women. Average age was 54 years (range: 28-69) and average body mass index 33.6 (range: 24.8-42.9). Seven patients had a preoperative diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism with preoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium levels (PTH: 137 (70-192); Ca2+: 10.9 (10.2-12), and one patient had preoperative diagnosis of thymoma. Preoperative imaging studies included computed tomography (CT)-sestamibi (n = 3), CT neck (n = 4), CT chest (n = 6), and neck ultrasound (n = 6). Intraoperative PTH measurements found >50% reduction in all cases. Average length of surgery was 108.6 minutes (range: 76-186); average blood loss 26 cc. All specimens were parathyroid adenomas, with an average size of 16 mm (range: 7-35 mm). Seven of eight patients were discharged on postoperative day 1. No complications or recurrences occurred at a median follow-up of 18.5 days (range: 15-1,066 days). Conclusions: Robot-assisted thoracoscopic parathyroidectomy is a safe and effective technique, with immediate improvement in PTH levels. Thorough clinical, biochemical, and radiologic preoperative workup assists in operative planning and may improve diagnostic accuracy of anterior mediastinal masses.

SAT-232 Is There a Role for Genetic Testing in Guiding the Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism in Pregnancy?

Introduction Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in pregnancy is rare, with a reported incidence of <1%. It is associated with serious maternal and foetal complications, and is genetically determined in ~10% of cases. Confirming a genetic diagnosis can guide management of inherited PHPT, and enables screening for syndrome-related diseases. This case series highlights the role of genetic testing in the tailored management of patients with PHPT in pregnancy. Clinical cases Case 1 is a 20 year old female who was diagnosed with PHPT at 5 weeks gestation after presentation with nausea. She was hypercalcaemic (2.78 mmol/L at diagnosis; 2.98 mmol/L pre-parathyroidectomy), had negative neck ultrasonography and a MEN1 mutation (exon 2, c.236_237del, p.(Pro79fs)) on genetic testing in pregnancy. After initial management with oral and IV rehydration, her severe symptomatic hypercalcaemia required treatment with open neck exploration and a 3 gland parathyroidectomy in the 2nd trimester. The standard surgical approach of a 3.5 gland parathyroidectomy was avoided due to the risk of inducing hypoparathyroidism. Intra-operative PTH dropped 53.8% post 3 gland parathyroidectomy. Parathyroid hyperplasia on histology was consistent with the diagnosis of MEN1 syndrome. The patient’s symptoms resolved post-operatively and foetal investigations are normal at 28 weeks gestation. She is receiving close obstetric follow-up including 3-weekly foetal growth scans due to the increased risk of IUGR. She was counseled on her increased risk of pancreatic and pituitary tumours and her 1st degree relatives are undergoing genetic screening. Case 2 is a 40 year old female with a known diagnosis of PHPT who was awaiting parathyroidectomy prior to pregnancy. She was hypercalcaemic (2.78 mmol/L at 7 weeks; 2.99 mmol/L pre-parathyroidectomy), and had a lower left parathyroid adenoma on ultrasound and pre-pregnancy SPECT-CT. Genetic testing was not performed as she was 40 at diagnosis and had no contributory family history. After failure of conservative management, parathyroidectomy of the left superior parathyroid gland was performed in the 2nd trimester. Histology results confirmed a left inferior parathyroid adenoma, concordant with the radiological findings. Her symptoms improved post-operatively; she is receiving close obstetric follow-up. Clinical lessons Genetic testing enables the management of PHPT to be tailored appropriately. It can better inform the surgical approach; including the need for subtotal parathyroidectomy and bilateral neck exploration in those cases at risk of multiple parathyroid gland disease, as demonstrated in our case with MEN1. Finally this case series demonstrates that surgical management of PHPT should be considered for select cases in pregnancy and thus far no maternal or foetal complications have arisen in these featured cases following surgical intervention.

Surgical Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism in the Era of Focused Parathyroidectomy: A Study in Tertiary Referral Centre of North India.

Background:Despite the benefits of focused parathyroidectomy (FPTx), few studies have questioned its durability with lower long-term cure rates than bilateral or conventional parathyroidectomy (CPTx). The objective of this study is to bring out the information on the type of surgical management versus cure rate, recurrence, and role of intra-operative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) level monitoring of PHPT patients.Material and Methods:This was a retrospective study of all PHPT patients treated at our center based on operative approach (CPTx vs FPTx) or use of IOPTH. Treatment failure was divided into persistent or recurrent disease, based on documentation of hypercalcemia in combination with an inappropriate PTH within 6 months or more of surgery, respectively.Results:Overall, 50.78% patients underwent CPTx and 49.32% FPTx. 29 FPTx were converted to CPTx. Intention to treat analysis between CPTx and FPTx showed that the persistence rate was not statistically different at 2.54% and 4%, respectively (P = 0.98). Furthermore, when the persistence rate was scrutinized by a treatment received (TR) instead of ITT analysis, the persistence rate was higher for the patients who underwent TR-CPTX than for the patients subjected to TR-FPTX (3.22% vs 1.08%) but not significant statistically. We further analyzed the outcome of FPTx with IOPTH (n = 213) and FPTx without IOPTH (n = 28). The outcome did not differ between two groups statistically.Conclusion:FPTx yields a similar success rate as compared to CPTx even in symptomatic PHPT patients and can be performed safely even without intra-opeartive adjunct IOPTH in selected patients.

The Surgical Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism: An Updated Review

Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism often present clinically asymptomatic with various biochemical compositions of serum calcium, parathyroid hormone, vitamin D and urinary calcium. Understanding the subtle differences in clinical and biochemical presentations is key for timely diagnosis and referral to an experienced parathyroid surgeon. Surgery remains the only option for cure of primary hyperparathyroidism, which now favors a directed parathyroidectomy with intra-operative adjuncts. However it is important to understand and revise the surgical approach for patients with hereditary conditions or nonlocalizing studies. Revised guidelines from the Fourth International Workshop on the Management of Asymptomatic Primary Hyperparathyroidism in 2013 and the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons in 2016 are reviewed in this paper for an updated review of this condition.

An audit on the surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism with specific reference to management of coexistent vitamin D deficiency

An audit on the surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism with specific reference to management of coexistent vitamin D deficiency

Surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism.

We reviewed the surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism through a retrospective chart review of 200 parathyroidectomy procedures performed over a 12year period. Epidemiological data and accuracy of radiological investigations used in identifying pathological parathyroid tissue location were assessed. We determined how often simultaneous removal of thyroid tissue was required during parathyroidectomy and the associated pathology. Radiology reports were screened to determine if confirmed thyroid pathology from histological specimens were referenced pre-operatively. Open parathyroid surgery was performed in 71%, the remainder endoscopically. 95% of parathyroid specimens were confirmed as benign adenomas, with eight cases of hyperplasia and two parathyroid carcinomas. Pre-operative ultrasound and SPECT-CT imaging demonstrated sensitivity of 55% and 73% respectively with regards correct adenoma localisation. Forty-nine patients (25%) underwent simultaneous partial thyroidectomy, 45 (92%) with dual pathology confirmed. Malignant thyroid lesions were identified in 18% (n = 8), Graves' disease 2% (n = 1), thyroiditis 9% (n = 4), multinodular goitre 56% (n = 25), unilateral nodule 4% (n = 2), hyperplasia 7% (n = 3) and intra-thyroid adenoma 4% (n = 2). Reference to these thyroid lesions was made in only 36% of preoperative imaging reports. In conclusion, synchronous thyroid surgery was carried out in a quarter of all parathyroidectomy procedures performed for treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism. Coincidental thyroid pathology was common. The limitations of pre-operative imaging in reliably locating involved parathyroid tissue are demonstrated and the importance of considering the potential need to perform thyroid surgery during parathyroidectomy and obtaining appropriate informed consent.

Surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism: A single-center experience

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) can occur at any age. This study aimed to compare the necessity, feasibility, safety, and outcomes of parathyroidectomy in the management of minor-symptomatic or asymptomatic PHPT patients according to age (young vs. old). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 146 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for PHPT from January 2005 to June 2016 in our institution. The patients ranged in age from 12 to 85 years. For the analysis, the included patients (n=137) were separated into young (age <50 years; n=31, 22.6%) and old (age ≥50 years; n=106, 77.4%) patients. The biochemical characteristics (parathyroid hormone, calcium, and creatinine levels), T-score of bone densitometry, surgical reports, pathology reports, perioperative intensive care unit care, and 30-day mortality were reviewed. The average medical treatment course after diagnosis tended to be longer in the old group (33.3 vs. 26.2 weeks, p=0.62). During the medical treatment course, the old group had a higher risk of developing new symptoms or severe complications (5.6% vs. 3.2%, p=0.05), and the older patients seemed to have a longer postoperative hospitalization (p=0.17). However, there were no significant differences in the 30-day mortality, immediate complications, and follow-up duration. In older patients, surgical treatment of PHPT is safe and feasible, with comparable outcomes to in younger patients, and helps prevent the development or progression of symptoms and complication. Hence, parathyroidectomy should be the recommended treatment and should be performed in PHPT patients as early as possible, regardless their age and initial symptoms.

The Surgical Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism: The Experience in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Tertiary Referral and Teaching Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Primary hyperparathyroidism is an endocrine disorder characterized by excessive and inappropriate release of Parathormone (PTH) from parathyroid glands resulting in diverse clinical manifestations involving the skeletal system in the form of bone and joint pains and pathological fractures, the gastrointestinal system in the form of dyspepsia from Peptic ulcer disease and pancreatitis, nephrolithiasis and other neuropsychiatric and nonspecific symptoms. There is nothing known about the epidemiology of this condition in our country and experience in Parathyroidectomy is very limited. In the biggest tertiary referral and teaching hospital in the country, only seven cases have been seen and treated over a period of seven years from 2007-2014 and only three had complete medical documents. We therefore present these three cases in detail and review the available literature in the management of primary hyperparathyroidism. Key words : Primary hyperparathyroidism, hungry bone disease, parathyroid adenoma

Minimally Invasive Mediastinal Parathyroidectomy: An Effective and Safe Technique in Patients with Ectopic Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Introduction: Primary hyperparathyroidism is a disease commonly caused by a single parathyroid adenoma in 80% - 85% of cases, and is less frequently caused by parathyroid hyperplasia. In approximately 2% of cases, the ectopic parathyroid adenoma is located within the mediastinum. Safely targeted parathyroidectomy is the gold standard procedure for surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism. We reviewed our surgical experience using video-assisted thoracic surgery and a robotic technique for surgical resection of mediastinal parathyroid adenoma, caused by primary hyperparathyroidism. Materials and Methods: From July 2010 to September 2016, six consecutive patients with symptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism were evaluated with neck ultrasound computed tomography (CT), technetium-99 sestamibi scintigraphy, and selective venous sampling with a measurement of parathyroid hormone levels. Four patients underwent video-assisted thoracic parathyroidectomy and two patients had robotic-assisted parathyroidectomy. Results: In six patients, there were four women and two men with a mean age of 47.5 years (ranging from 31 - 60 years). The mediastinal parathyroid adenomas were successfully localized by preoperative imaging studies in five patients. Only in one patient, we were unable to localize the parathyroid adenoma. All parathyroid adenomas were successfully resected without any complications. Conclusions: We found that minimally invasive mediastinal parathyroidectomy is promising, safe, and effective in a selected group of patients, as well as providing superior cosmetic results and a short hospital stay.