[Reoperations in primary hyperparathyroidism].

We report on 14 patients suffering from persistent (n = 13) and truly recurrent (n = 1) primary hyperparathyroidism. Reoperations were successful in 13 cases. Cervical reexploration was only required for 5 patients who had previous operations by unexperienced surgeons in other clinics. In 5 out of 7 patients operated by us, the causes of the persistent primary hyperparathyroidism were 4 adenomas and one hyperplastic gland in the mediastinum found by median sternotomy. The remaining cases were a rare ectopic location of the inferior glands and an inadequate resection in four-gland-hyperplasia. Preoperative localization procedures were carried out for most patients. 201-Tl/99m-Tc-subtraction scintigraphy has proved for localization in both the cervical region and the mediastinum to be a highly sensitive method. Reoperative parathyroid surgery can be reduced with thorough initial cervical exploration by experienced surgeons in specialized clinics.