Concomitant thyroid disease in patients operated for primary hyperparathyroidism.

INTRODUCTION

Parathyroid and thyroid diseases are ones of the most common endocrine diseases, but simultaneous surgical treatment of both endocrine systems is still under discussion.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 1,574 patients operated for primary hyperparathyroidism at the 3rd Department of Surgery, 1st Faculty Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol in Prague with the thyroid and parathyroid ultrasound reports available. The patients were divided into two groups - with and without thyroid surgery.

RESULTS

Thyroid surgery was performed in 34% of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Group 2, where thyroid surgery was performed, showed a higher proportion of reported abnormal thyroid sonographic findings (74%), a higher proportion of bilateral throat exploration (69%) and a longer hospital stay (3.3 days).

CONCLUSION

A patient indicated for surgery for parathyroid disease should also be indicated for possible thyroid surgery.