Intraoperative Radio-Guided Identification of Parathyroid Adenomas with the Gamma Probe: Initial Experiences in a Community Hospital

• Published in: The American surgeon Vol. 65; no. 8; pp. 766 - 768
• Main Authors: Baskies, Arnold M., Mayer, Paul, Holaday, William J., Cannon, Anthony J., Rosenbaum, Daniel N., Choi, Hong Y., Davis, Linda V., Tilton, Cheryl M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.08.1999; Southeastern Surgical Congress; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Adenoma - diagnostic imaging; Adenoma - surgery; Biological and medical sciences; Endocrine glands. Genital system. Mammary gland; Female; Gamma Rays; Hospitals, Community; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Male; Medical imaging; Medical research; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Monitoring, Intraoperative; New Jersey; Parathyroid Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Parathyroid Neoplasms - surgery; Radiography; Radionuclide Imaging; Radionuclide investigations; Radiopharmaceuticals; Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi; Thyroid gland; X-rays; Endocrinopathy; Radionuclide study; Human; Intraoperative; Identification; Adenoma; Scintigraphy; Case study; Parathyroid diseases; Medical imagery; Parathyroid glands; Benign neoplasm; Diagnosis
• ISSN: 0003-1348; 1555-9823
• DOI: 10.1177/000313489906500813

Previous radiological imaging studies for identification of parathyroid adenomas have generally been unreliable. Currently, preoperative administration of Tc-99m sestamibi improves detection of parathyroid adenomas. Combining preoperative administration of sestamibi radionuclide with the gamma probe intraoperatively can successfully identify the exact location of parathyroid adenomas in a community hospital setting and facilitate a safe and efficient operation. A team approach, including surgeon, radiologist, and technologist, is recommended to facilitate mastery of the learning curve.