Improving Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone Specimen Handling and Processing.

Surgeons request intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) monitoring during parathyroidectomy procedures to confirm identification of abnormal gland tissue. Generally, a 50% decrease in the baseline PTH level indicates the abnormal tissue has been removed. A delay in collecting and processing PTH blood samples can complicate intraoperative decision making and prolong the procedure. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to develop tools to facilitate the specimen management process (eg, requesting, transporting, analyzing) for PTH blood samples and decrease the average total time required for transit and assay. We implemented a two-pronged initiative that involved improving the laboratory requisition form and creating a parathyroid tote box to contain all the needed information and supplies. The average total time for transit and assay decreased from 31.36 minutes before implementation to 22.06 minutes after implementation. Perioperative nurses expressed satisfaction with the changes and continue to use the revised process.

Italian Guidelines for the Management of Sporadic Primary Hyperparathyroidism.

AIM: This guideline (GL) is aimed at providing a clinical practice reference for the management of sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in adults. PHPT management in pregnancy was not considered. METHODS: This GL has been developed following the methods described in the Manual of the Italian National Guideline System. For each question, the panel appointed by Associazione Medici Endocrinology (AME) and Società Italiana dell'Osteoporosi, del Metabolismo Minerale e delle Malattie dello Scheletro (SIOMMMS) identified potentially relevant outcomes, which were then rated for their impact on therapeutic choices. Only outcomes classified as "critical" and "important" were considered in the systematic review of evidence. Those classified as "critical" were considered for the clinical practice recommendations. RESULTS: The present GL provides recommendations about the roles of pharmacological and surgical treatment for the clinical management of sporadic PHPT. Parathyroidectomy is recommended in comparison to surveillance or pharmacologic treatment in any adult (outside of pregnancy) or elderly subject diagnosed with sporadic PHPT who is symptomatic or meets any of the following criteria: • Serum calcium levels >1 mg/dL above the upper limit of normal range. • Urinary calcium levels >4 mg/kg/day. • Osteoporosis disclosed by DXA examination and/or any fragility fracture. • Renal function impairment (eGFR <60 mL/min). • Clinic or silent nephrolithiasis. • Age ≤50 years. Monitoring and treatment of any comorbidity or complication of PHPT at bone, kidney, or cardiovascular level are suggested for patients who do not meet the criteria for surgery or are not operated on for any reason. Sixteen indications for good clinical practice are provided in addition to the recommendations. CONCLUSION: The present GL is directed to endocrinologists and surgeons - working in hospitals, territorial services or private practice - and to general practitioners and patients. The recommendations should also consider the patient's preferences and the available resources and expertise.

Is routine 24-hour urine calcium measurement useful during the evaluation of primary hyperparathyroidism?

BACKGROUND: Primary hyperparathyroidism and familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia have similar biochemical profiles, and calcium-to-creatinine-clearance ratio helps distinguish the two. Additionally, 24-hour urine calcium >400 mg/day indicates surgery and guidelines recommend obtaining 24-hour urine calcium preoperatively. Our aim was to assess how 24-hour urine calcium altered care in the evaluation of suspected primary hyperparathyroidism. METHODS: Consecutive patients assessed for primary hyperparathyroidism from 2018 to 2020 were reviewed. Primary hyperparathyroidism was diagnosed by 2016 American Association of Endocrine Surgeons Parathyroidectomy Guidelines criteria. 24-hour urine calcium-directed change in care was defined as familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia diagnosis, surgical deferment for additional testing, or 24-hour urine calcium >400 mg/day as the sole surgical indication. RESULTS: Of 613 patients, 565 (92%) completed 24-hour urine calcium and 477 (84%) had concurrent biochemical testing to calculate calcium-to-creatinine-clearance ratio. 24-hour urine calcium was <100 mg/day in 9% (49/565) and calcium-to-creatinine-clearance ratio was <0.01 in 17% (82/477). No patient had confirmed familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, although 1 had a CASR variant of undetermined significance. When calcium-to-creatinine-clearance ratio was <0.01, familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia was excluded by 24-hour urine calcium >100 mg/day (56%), prior normal calcium (16%), renal insufficiency (11%), absence of familial hypercalcemia (3%), normal repeat 24-hour urine calcium (10%), or interfering diuretic (1%). 24-hour urine calcium-directed change in care occurred in 25 (4%), including 4 (1%) who had genetic testing. Four-gland hyperplasia was more common with calcium-to-creatinine-clearance ratio <0.01 (17% vs calcium-to-creatinine-clearance ratio ≥ 0.01, 4%, P < .001), but surgical failure rates were equivalent (P = .24). CONCLUSION: 24-hour urine calcium compliance was high, and results affected management in 4%, including productive identification of hypercalciuria as the sole surgical indication in 2 patients. When calcium-to-creatinine-clearance ratio <0.01, clinical assessment was sufficient to exclude familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia and only 1% required genetic testing. 24-hour urine calcium should be ordered judiciously during primary hyperparathyroidism assessment.

Correlation of Preoperative Imaging Findings and Parathyroidectomy Outcomes Support NICE 2019 Guidance.

CONTEXT: Preoperative localization studies are standard practice in patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). The most common modalities are neck ultrasound (US) and sestamibi scanning. However, the nature of pHPT is changing, with imaging increasingly yielding negative results. Numerous studies suggest unlocalized disease is associated with poor outcomes, calling into question whether such patients are best treated conservatively. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to correlate parathyroidectomy outcomes with preoperative imaging in a single, high-volume institution. METHODS: Data from a prospectively maintained departmental database of operations performed from 2017 to 2019 were analyzed. All patients undergoing first-time surgery for sporadic pHPT were included. Data collected included patient demographics, preoperative imaging, surgical strategy, and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 609 consecutive parathyroidectomies were included, with a median age of 59 years (range 20-87 years). The all-comer cure rate was 97.5%; this was 97.9% in dual localized patients (those with positive US and sestamibi), compared to 95.8% in the dual unlocalized group (those with negative US and sestamibi) (P = 0.33). Unilateral neck exploration was the chosen approach in 59.9% of patients with double-positive imaging and 5.7% of patients with double-negative imaging (otherwise, bilateral parathyroid visualization was performed). There was no significant difference in postoperative complications between patients undergoing unilateral or bilateral neck exploration. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with negative preoperative imaging who undergo parathyroidectomy are cured in almost 96% of cases, compared to 98% when the disease is localized. This difference does not reach statistical or clinical significance. These findings therefore support current recommendations that all patients with pHPT who are likely to benefit from operative intervention should be considered for parathyroidectomy, irrespective of preoperative imaging findings.

Informed Consent for Intraoperative Neural Monitoring in Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery - Consensus Statement of the International Neural Monitoring Study Group.

In the past decade, the use of intraoperative neural monitoring (IONM) in thyroid and parathyroid surgery has been widely accepted by surgeons as a useful technology for improving laryngeal nerve identification and voice outcomes, facilitating neurophysiological research, educating and training surgeons, and reducing surgical complications and malpractice litigation. Informing patients about IONM is not only good practice and helpful in promoting the efficient use of IONM resources but is indispensable for effective shared decision making between the patient and surgeon. The International Neural Monitoring Study Group (INMSG) feels complete discussion of IONM in the preoperative planning and patient consent process is important in all patients undergoing thyroid and parathyroid surgery. The purpose of this publication is to evaluate the impact of IONM on the informed consent process before thyroid and parathyroid surgery and to review the current INMSG consensus on evidence-based consent. The objective of this consensus statement, which outlines general and specific considerations as well as recommended criteria for informed consent for the use of IONM, is to assist surgeons and patients in the processes of informed consent and shared decision making before thyroid and parathyroid surgery.

Rapid standardized operating rooms (RAPSTOR) in thyroid and parathyroid surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a high efficiency rapid standardized OR (RAPSTOR) for hemithyroid/parathyroid surgery using standardized equipment sets (SES) and consecutive case scheduling (CCS) on turnover times (TOT), average case volumes, patient outcomes, hospital costs and OR efficiency/stress. METHODS: Patients requiring hemithyroidectomy (primary or completion) or unilateral parathyroidectomy in a single surgeon's practice were scheduled consecutively with SES. Retrospective control groups were classified as sequential (CS) or non-sequential (CNS). A survey regarding OR efficiency/stress was administered. Phenomenography and descriptive statistics were conducted for time points, cost and patient outcome variables. Hospital cost minimization analysis was performed. RESULTS: The mean TOT of RAPSTOR procedures (16 min; n = 27) was not significantly different than CS (14 min, n = 14) or CNS (17 min, n = 6). Mean case number per hour was significantly increased in RAPSTOR (1.2) compared to both CS (0.9; p < 0.05) and CNS (0.7; p < 0.05). Average operative time was significantly reduced in RAPSTOR (32 min; n = 28) compared to CNS (48 min; p < 0.05) but not CS (33 min; p = 0.06). Time to discharge was reduced in RAPSTOR (595 min) compared to CNS (1210 min, p < 0.05). There was no difference in complication rate between all groups (p = 0.27). Survey responses suggested improved efficiency, teamwork and workflow. Furthermore, there is associated decrease in direct operative costs for RAPSTOR vs. CS. CONCLUSION: A high efficiency standardized OR for hemithyroid and parathyroid surgery using SES and CCS is associated with improved efficiency and, in this study, led to increased capacity at reduced cost without compromising patient safety. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2.

Decreasing Surgical Management of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) commonly occurs in end-stage renal disease (ESRD), leading to vascular calcification and increased mortality. For SHPT refractory to medical management, parathyroidectomy improves symptoms and decreases mortality. Medical management has changed with the release of new guidelines and advent of novel medications. We investigate recent national trends in parathyroidectomy for SHPT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the National/Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2004 to 2016 to identify hospitalizations including parathyroidectomy for SHPT and calculated parathyroidectomy rates utilizing data from the United States Renal Data System. Subgroup analysis was conducted by race. Risk factors for in-hospital mortality were identified with purposeful selection and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: From 2004 to 2016, the rate of parathyroidectomies for SHPT per 1000 ESRD patients decreased from 6.07 (95% CI: 4.83-7.32) to 3.67 (95% CI: 3.33-4.00). Black patients underwent parathyroidectomy for SHPT at a 1.8-fold higher rate than white and Hispanic patients (5.59 versus 3.04 and 3.07). Almost all tracked comorbidities increased in prevalence. In-hospital mortality trended lower (1.5% to 0.8%, P = 0.051). Risk factors for in-hospital mortality included weight loss (OR 4.19, 95% CI: 2.00-8.78) and cardiac arrhythmia (OR 3.38, 95% CI: 1.66-6.91), while additional calendar year (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.80-0.95) was protective. CONCLUSIONS: The etiology of the declining parathyroidectomy rate for SHPT is unclear; possible factors include changing guidelines emphasizing medical management, widespread availability of cinacalcet, changing practice patterns, and inadequate surgical referral.

Reoperative Cervical Endocrine Surgery: Appropriate Valuation for the Time and Effort?

BACKGROUND: Controversies currently exist regarding the best way to appropriately quantify complexity and to benchmark reimbursement for surgeons. This study aims to analyze surgeon reimbursement in primary and redo-thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy using operative time as a surrogate for complexity. METHODS: A retrospective analysis using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was performed to identify patients who underwent primary and redo-thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy. Calculations of median operative time work relative value units per minute and dollars per minute were compared between primary and redo procedures. RESULTS: Thyroidectomy cases represented 53.5% (22,521 cases), and the other 46.5% (19,596 cases) were parathyroidectomy cases. The median dollars per minute in primary thyroidectomy was $4.97 and for redo-thyroidectomy was $8.12 (P < 0.0001). By the same token, dollars per minute were higher in the redo cases with $15.40 when compared with primary parathyroidectomy cases with $13.14 dollars per minute (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: By Current Procedural Terminology codes, surgeons appear to be appropriately reimbursed for redo-thyroid and parathyroid procedures indexed to first time parathyroidectomy based on the compensated operative time of these procedures calculated using a nationally representative sample.

Re-operative parathyroidectomy: How many positive localization studies are required?

BACKGROUND: Re-operative parathyroidectomy in patients with recurrent or persistent hyperparathyroidism can be challenging. We review our experience to determine the optimal number of localization studies prior to re-operation. METHODS: From 2001 to 2019, 251 patients underwent re-operative parathyroidectomy. Parathyroidectomies were stratified to 4 groups based upon the number of positive localization studies obtained: A) ZERO, B) 1-positive, C) 2-positive, D) 3-positive. RESULTS: The overall cure rate was 97%, where 201 single gland resections, 23 two-gland resections, 22 subtotal/total, and 5 forearm autograft resections were performed. Thirty-two patients had no positive studies (A), 172 patients had 1-positive (B), 42 patients had 2-positive (C), and 5 patients had 3-positive studies (D). There was no difference in surgical cure rates between groups (p = 0.71). The majority of patients had one or no positive imaging studies yet almost all still achieved cure. CONCLUSION: Successful re-operative parathyroidectomy can be performed with minimal pre-operative scans in certain clinical contexts.

Undertreatment of primary hyperparathyroidism in a privately insured US population: Decreasing utilization of parathyroidectomy despite expanding surgical guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Primary hyperparathyroidism is associated with substantial morbidity, including osteoporosis, nephrolithiasis, and chronic kidney disease. Parathyroidectomy can prevent these sequelae but is poorly utilized in many practice settings. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study using the national Optum de-identified Clinformatics Data Mart Database. We identified patients aged ≥35 with a first observed primary hyperparathyroidism diagnosis from 2004 to 2016. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine patient/provider characteristics associated with parathyroidectomy. RESULTS: Of 26,522 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, 10,101 (38.1%) underwent parathyroidectomy. Of the 14,896 patients with any operative indication, 5,791 (38.9%) underwent parathyroidectomy. Over time, there was a decreasing trend in the rate of parathyroidectomy overall (2004: 54.4% to 2016: 32.4%, P < .001) and among groups with and without an operative indication. On multivariable analysis, increasing age and comorbidities were strongly, inversely associated with parathyroidectomy (age 75-84, odds ratio 0.50 [95% confidence interval 0.45-0.55]; age ≥85, odds ratio 0.21 [95% confidence interval 0.17-0.26] vs age 35-49; Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥2 vs 0 odds ratio 0.62 [95% confidence interval 0.58-0.66]). CONCLUSION: The majority of US privately insured patients with primary hyperparathyroidism are not treated with parathyroidectomy. Having an operative indication only modestly increases the likelihood of parathyroidectomy. Further research is needed to address barriers to treatment and the gap between guidelines and clinical care in primary hyperparathyroidism.

Coronary artery disease is more severe in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Primary hyperparathyroidism is associated with an increased cardiovascular mortality, but mechanisms underlying this association are unclear. The goal of this study was to evaluate coronary artery calcifications via the coronary calcification score in primary hyperparathyroidism patients, to compare with control subjects, and to identify risk factors for high to intermediate risk coronary calcification scores (coronary calcification score >100). METHOD: Cross-sectional study of primary hyperparathyroidism patients without a history of coronary artery disease, diabetes, or severe, chronic kidney disease. Coronary calcification scores were compared with a cohort of population-based control subjects. RESULTS: The mean coronary calcification score was 120 ± 344 in 130 primary hyperparathyroidism patients. The coronary calcification score was >100 in 27 patients (21%). When compared with control subjects, the percentage of positive coronary calcification scores was similar in primary hyperparathyroidism patients (53% vs 50%); however, positive coronary calcification scores were at the 67th percentile of the control subjects cohort (P < .001). In multivariable regression, patient age (1.1; 1.1-1.2; P < .001), patients in the mild normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism group (5.1; 1.1-22.6; P = .037), and the need for antihypertensive medications (6.1; 1.8-20.9; P < .001) remained independent predictors for a coronary calcification score >100. CONCLUSION: Positive coronary calcification scores were greater in primary hyperparathyroidism patients than in population-based control subjects. These study data may provide new criteria for parathyroidectomy in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Primary hyperparathyroidism with surgical indication and negative or equivocal scintigraphy: safety and reliability of PTH washout. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the improvements in ultrasound (US) and scintigraphy, 10-20% of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) still have discordant findings. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the safety and the diagnostic performance of US-guided PTH washout (FNA-PTH) in patients with PHPT, a suspected parathyroid lesion on US but negative or equivocal scintigraphy. METHODS: The review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42019124249). PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL and Web of Science were searched until February 2019. Original articles reporting complications and diagnostic performance of FNA-PTH in biochemically and histopathologically diagnosed PHPT were selected. The risk of bias of included studies was assessed through QUADAS-2. Summary operating points were estimated using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Out of 2573 retrieved papers, nine cohort studies were included in the review. No major procedure-related complications were found. Pooled sensitivity was 95% (95% CI: 91-98; I 2: = 14%) and positive predictive value was 97% (95% CI: 93-100; I 2: = 39%). There were not enough data for specificity and negative predictive value to perform a meta-analysis. However, pooling results of all lesions, they were estimated to be 83 and 73%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with biochemically proven PHPT and discordant imaging, FNA-PTH was a safe and accurate procedure. In this specific setting of patients, FNA-PTH could be used as a rule-in test for minimally invasive parathyroidectomy.

Volume-outcome relationship in parathyroid surgery.

BACKGROUND: Since its first description, several studies have highlighted the role of the surgeon's experience in the outcome of parathyroid surgery, however, no uniform consensus exists regarding the minimum operative experience required for good surgical outcomes. This work aims to summarize the current data regarding the surgeon volume-outcome relationship for parathyroidectomy. METHODS: An electronic literature review identified 85 publications, and after study selection 11 were included. An additional nine publications were added based on reference review and inclusion of publications not initially captured. CONCLUSIONS: There are insufficient data to dogmatically conclude a minimum number of cases required to achieve optimal surgical results. However, extrapolation from the inclusive studies support the conclusions that higher operative volumes improve cure rates and decrease the rates of complications, recurrent disease, and perioperative costs. Endocrine Surgery fellowships or mentorships may help prepare the less experienced surgeon for successful outcomes. Although reticent to offer firm minimal volume requirements, we have made suggestions in this manuscript.

Brown tumor of the thoracic spine presenting with paraplegia in a patient with peritoneal dialysis.

Secondary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism is an important problem of chronic kidney disease. Brown tumor is a benign, unusual, reactive lesion as a result of disturbed bone remodeling, from long-standing increase in parathyroid hormone level. Brown tumors may cause morbidity due to pressure symptoms on neural structures and spontaneous bone fractures. Herein, we presented a peritoneal dialysis patient with tertiary hyperparathyroidism under calcand calcitriol treatment for 4 years due to refusing of the parathyroidectomy operation. She admitted to hospital for sudden onset back pain with difficulty in gait and walking, and imaging studies showed an expansile mass lesion in the thoracic spine. She was operated for mass and diagnosed with brown tumor. After operation, she lost the ability of walking than become paraplegic and she underwent rehabilitation program. Preventive measures including calcitriol and cinacalcet may cause a modest decrease in parathyroid hormone levels but it should be remembered for the development of bone complications such as brown tumor formation in patients with moderate elevated PTH levels, especially those with tertiary hyperparathyroidism. Parathyroidectomy should be performed without delay in these cases.

Bilateral Neck Exploration for Sporadic Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Use Patterns in 5,597 Patients Undergoing Parathyroidectomy in the Collaborative Endocrine Surgery Quality Improvement Program.

BACKGROUND: For many surgeons, focused parathyroidectomy has become the preferred approach for management of sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT). This study describes use patterns of bilateral neck exploration (BE) by endocrine surgeons participating in the Collaborative Endocrine Surgery Quality Improvement Program (CESQIP). STUDY DESIGN: Using the CESQIP parathyroid dataset (2014 to 2017), use trends, demographic and clinical characteristics of patients undergoing BE vs focused vs focused converted to BE parathyroidectomy were compared. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were also analyzed. RESULTS: Among 5,597 patients who underwent initial parathyroidectomy for HPT, BE was used in 2,253 (40%), 613 (11%) of which were converted procedures. Patients with BE were older and more likely female. Ultrasound (87%), sestamibi (66%), and CT scans (20%) were commonly used. Glands were highly localized. Intraoperative-parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) was used in >90%. Operative time >2 hours was more likely in BE (16%) and converted (30%) vs focused (3%) procedures. Two or more glands were removed in 57% of BE cases. Outpatient procedures were more common in focused cases; emergency room visits, readmissions, and complications were more likely in BE and converted cases. Concern for failure and lack of ioPTH decrease was significantly more common in BE and converted cases. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first analysis of parathyroidectomy use trends by high-volume endocrine surgeons in CESQIP. Bilateral neck exploration is a commonly used approach (40%), and conversion from focused to BE was observed in 11% of cases, despite highly localized glands. Bilateral neck exploration remains a complex and frequently used procedure, and surgeons intending to perform parathyroid surgery should be adequately trained and adept at BE.

Surgery for Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Adherence to Consensus Guidelines in an Academic Health System.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent to which consensus guidelines for surgery in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) are followed within an academic health system. BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that adherence to consensus guidelines in community practice is low. METHODS: Adults with biochemically confirmed PHPT who received primary care within an academic health system were identified from 2005 to 2015. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze predictors of parathyroidectomy (PTx). RESULTS: In 617 patients, the overall PTx rate was 30.8%. When individual consensus criteria were examined, age <50 (P<0.01), serum calcium >11.3 mg/dL (P < 0.01), and hypercalciuria (P = 0.02) were associated with PTx; while nephrolithiasis (P = 0.07) and osteoporosis (P = 0.34) did not affect the PTx rate. The PTx rate increased with the number of consensus criteria satisfied (1 criterion, 33%; 2 criteria, 45%; 3 or more criteria, 82%, P < 0.01). Independent predictors of PTx included male sex [odds ratio (OR) 1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-2.8], increasing serum parathyroid hormone (OR 1.1 per 10 pg/mL 95% CI 1.05-1.13), and endocrinologist evaluation (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.4); while Black race (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.8), lack of 24-hour urine calcium measurement (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3-0.8), Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥ 2 (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4-0.9), and age ≥80 years (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1-0.4) predicted against PTx. CONCLUSION: Within an academic health system, consensus guidelines do appear to influence the decision for surgery in patients with PHPT. However, the level of compliance is generally low, and similar to that observed in community practice.

Primary Hyperparathyroidism.

Background: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), the most common cause of hypercalcemia, is most often identified in postmenopausal women. The clinical presentation of PHPT has evolved over the past 40 years to include three distinct clinical phenotypes, each of which has been studied in detail and has led to evolving concepts about target organ involvement, natural history, and management. Methods: In the present review, I provide an evidence-based summary of this disorder as it has been studied worldwide, citing key concepts and data that have helped to shape our concepts about this disease. Results: PHPT is now recognized to include three clinical phenotypes: overt target organ involvement, mild asymptomatic hypercalcemia, and high PTH levels with persistently normal albumin-corrected and ionized serum calcium values. The factors that determine which of these clinical presentations is more likely to predominate in a given country include the extent to which biochemical screening is used, vitamin D deficiency is present, and whether parathyroid hormone levels are routinely measured in the evaluation of low bone density or frank osteoporosis. Guidelines for parathyroidectomy apply to all three clinical forms of the disease. If surgical guidelines are not met, parathyroidectomy can also be an appropriate option if no medical contraindications are present. If either the serum calcium or bone mineral density is of concern and surgery is not an option, pharmacological approaches are available and effective. Conclusions: Advances in our knowledge of PHPT have guided new concepts in diagnosis and management.

Recommendations on the use of neuromonitoring in thyroid and parathyroid surgery. / Recomendaciones sobre el uso de la neuromonitorización en cirugía de tiroides y paratiroides.

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid and parathyroid surgery (TPTS) is associated with risk of injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, superior laryngeal nerve and voice changes. Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM), intermittent or continuous, evaluates the functional state of the laryngeal nerves and is being increasingly used. This means that points of consensus on the most controversial aspects are necessary. OBJECTIVE: To develop a support document for guidance on the use of IONM in TPTS. METHOD: Work group consensus through systematic review and the Delphi method. RESULTS: Seven sections were identified on which points of consensus were identified: indications, equipment, technique (programming and registration parameters), behaviour on loss of signal, laryngoscopy, voice and legal implications. CONCLUSIONS: IONM helps in the location and identification of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, helps during its dissection, reports on its functional status at the end of surgery and enables decision-making in the event of loss of signal in the first operated side in a scheduled bilateral thyroidectomy or previous contralateral paralysis. The accuracy of IONM depends on variables such as accomplished technique, technology and training in the correct execution of the technique and interpretation of the signal. This document is a starting point for future agreements on TPTS in each of the sections of consensus.

Resident and fellow participation in Thyroid and Parathyroid surgery: an ACS-NSQIP clinical outcomes analysis.

BACKGROUND: The effect of decreased overall hours of training in surgical specialties is still being examined. Of particular interest is the safety of patients undergoing surgeries with trainee surgeons. The aim of this study was to identify if there were significant differences in outcomes of patients undergoing commonly performed thyroid and parathyroid surgeries when trainees were involved. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Postoperative complication rates, length of stay (LOS), and total operation time (OT) data were gathered from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database. The cases were identified by CPT code and were divided based on the training level of the participating resident surgeon: Junior (postgraduate year [PGY] 1-2), senior (PGY 3-5), fellow (PGY >5), as well as an attending-only group where no resident was present. We compared the clinical outcomes, LOS, and OT in each trainee group to the attending-only group as the reference. RESULTS: A total of 84,711 cases were identified of which 45.33% involved trainee participation. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval for overall, neurologic, and bleeding complications were calculated. No difference in the odds of overall patient complications or neurologic complications was observed. A decrease in the odds of bleedings complications when a junior or senior trainee was present was observed. Overall complications in operations including a junior trainee (PGY 1-2) had an OR of 1.04 (0.85, 1.29), a senior trainee (PGY 3-5) had an OR of 1.00 (0.89, 1.13), and a fellow had an OR of 0.98 (0.74, 1.31). Mean OT was found to be significantly different between attending only and junior and senior trainees. There was no significant difference in OT between fellows and attending only. LOS did not meaningfully differ across groups. CONCLUSIONS: In three commonly performed thyroid and parathyroid operations, there is not an increased overall or neurologic complication odds when a surgical trainee is involved; there are decreased odds of a bleeding complication.

Less is more: time to expand the indications for minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy.

PURPOSE: Minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy (MIVAP) is one of the most widespread targeted parathyroid surgeries for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP). The aim of this study was to assess its limits and propose an expansion of its indications in the management of parathyroid pathology. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 77 consecutive patients who underwent MIVAP for PHP between Jan and Oct 2016 was conducted. The adequacy of the procedure and/or the need to convert to a standard cervicotomy was the main outcome of interest. Secondary outcomes of interest included: operative time, postoperative morbidity, postoperative pain assessed by the visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and the length of the surgical incision. RESULTS: There were 64 females and 13 males with a mean age of 51 years. In one patient a concomitant en bloc thyroid lobectomy was required due to features suspicious of parathyroid carcinoma while exploration was required in two other patients. None of these three cases required conversion to standard cervicotomy. The mean operative time, length of incision and VAS score was 31 min, 17 mm and 1.6, respectively. Biochemical cure was achieved in all patients, and no postoperative morbidities were reported. CONCLUSION: MIVAP offers the ability to perform a neck exploration and/or an en bloc thyroid lobectomy without the need to convert to a standard cervicotomy. Therefore, it not only serves as a targeted parathyroid procedure but also a potential alternative to full neck exploration.