Persistent and recurrent hyperparathyroidism

Abstract

During the past 11 years at Hammersmith Hospital 11 patients have had parathyroid operations following a previous neck exploration. Six had persistent hyperparathyroidism and 5 had recurrent hyperparathyroidism with a “lucid interval” of biochemical normality of from 5 months to 11 years. Sucessful results were obtained in 9 of the 11 patients after a total of 29 operations, 4 of which were combined with sternotomy. The reasons for failure at operation and the medical and surgical management of these patients are reviewed.