Retrieval of the parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy.

A recommended technique of intraoperative search of the removed thyroid lobe or entire gland for attached parathyroid glands is presented. Diligent examination of the thyroid capsule and folds of the thyroid gland is made in the sterile operative field. Any recovered parathyroid gland or glands are then finely sectioned and reimplanted in a location which is not likely to be violated in any future surgical procedure. This technique has significantly reduced the incidence of permanent hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy.