Primary hyperparathyroidism: Concepts for the general surgeon

Abstract

During the last decades, the incidence of primary hyperparathyroidism has been increasing, most probably related to the greater accessibility to diagnostic studies; however, the most common form of clinical presentation of primary hyperparathyroidism is asymptomatic in more than 80% of patients. Diagnosis is less frequent due to associated renal (urolithiasis) or bone (osteitis fibrosa cystica) complications. A benign tumor of the parathyroid gland (single adenoma) is the main cause of this disease. Therefore, its treatment is usually surgical. Despite this, the management of this pathology by the general surgeon is not frequent. This article reviews key concepts for the diagnosis and management of this disease for the resident physician and specialist in General Surgery.