Surgery of Parathyroid Glands

The incidence of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is rising and more patients are referred for parathyroid surgery. This chapter explains the role of parathyroid glands in calcium homeostasis and defines pathological syndromes associated with oversecretion of parathormone. Clinical presentation, biochemical tests, genetics and imaging of patients with PHPT are discussed and recommendations made for their use. Surgical approaches to diseased parathyroid glands with particular emphasis on perioperative adjuncts are reviewed. Hyperparathyroidism in special situations such as pregnancy, childhood, elderly and patients with renal failure is discussed.