Management of primary hyperparathyroidism.

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common disease that can be accurately diagnosed and effectively treated in most patients. The diagnosis is established by a persistent elevation of serum calcium and parathyroid hormone and by clinical evaluation. Surgery is the appropriate treatment, and preoperative localization procedures are seldom indicated. Selected patients with mild disease may be followed by procedures devised to identify deterioration of skeletal, neurological, and renal function. The accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism are rewarding clinical experiences for the endocrinologist and surgeon.