Parathyroid surgery

Parathyroid surgery for hyperparathyroidism is a safe and effective strategy for durably reducing PTH hypersecretion and improving and/or reversing systemic consequences such as bone density loss and nephrocalcinosis. This overview provides a summary of currently available operative approaches for primary, secondary, and tertiary forms of hyperparathyroidism. Multidisciplinary communication is valuable at all phases of management. Surgeons should clearly communicate key details such as the method of parathyroid surgery and the extent of exploration (how many parathyroid glands were examined). The expertise of a surgeon, or -specialized care for patients with parathyroid disease, is associated with improved outcomes. Parathyroid surgery remains the most effective method of treating hyperparathyroidism and can be accomplished with minimal morbidity. Long-term follow-up of patients who have been treated with parathyroidectomy is important to monitor for successful maintenance of normal calcium balance and resolution of sequelae of hyperparathyroidism.