Revision parathyroidectomy guided by intraoperative radionuclide imaging.

BACKGROUND Technetium-99m sestamibi scintigraphy has become one of the most popular techniques for localization of the parathyroid gland after failure of primary neck exploration. OBJECTIVE To examine the efficacy of sestamibi with the hand-held gamma ray detecting probe for the identification of parathyroid adenomas during revision parathyroidectomy. METHODS We reviewed six cases of probe-assisted neck exploration for parathyroid lesions following unsuccessful primary exploration. RESULTS In all cases the pathologic glands were successfully detected and removed. CONCLUSIONS With careful planning, a gamma ray detecting probe can be used optimally 2-3 hours after technetium-99m sestamibi injection. The probe is efficient, easy and convenient to use.