Radioguidance is not necessary during parathyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND Improvements in the accuracy of preoperative localization and the availability of the rapid parathyroid hormone assay have permitted minimally invasive parathyroidectomy in patients with primary hyperparathyoidism. HYPOTHESIS The use of intraoperative radioguidance is beneficial during targeted parathyroid operations. DESIGN A retrospective analysis of a prospective database of patients. SETTING Tertiary care referral center. PATIENTS During a 2(1/2)-year period, 130 patients underwent minimally invasive, targeted parathyroidectomy with intraoperative monitoring of the parathyroid hormone level. Of these, 60 patients underwent radioguided parathyroidectomy. Prior to surgery, a solitary parathyroid adenoma was visualized on technetium Tc 99m sestamibi scintigraphy in all patients selected for radioguided parathyroidectomy. A gamma probe was used to guide the surgical dissection. RESULTS All patients were cured following radioguided parathyroidectomy. In 29 patients (48%), the probe provided confusing or inaccurate information; however, a unilateral neck exploration with excision of a parathyroid adenoma was successfully completed in each of these patients. Forty-three cases were completed under local anesthesia and 85% were discharged home on the same day of surgery. There was 1 temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. CONCLUSION In the era of improved preoperative localization and intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring, the routine use of radioguidance is not recommended during parathyroidectomy.