Objective To introduce the advanced diagnostic technologies and share the surgical experience of parathyroid adenoma. Methods From November 1986 to August 2000, 9 patients with parathyroid adenoma who underwent operations were analyzed retrospectively. Out of them, there were 3 males and 6 females and their ages ranged from 12 to 55 years with an average of 32 years. The average disease course was 4 years and 9 months. General decreased density of the bone cortex and subperiosteum absorption were found in all 9 cases, while multi bone cyst lesion in 3 cases; obsolete fracture in 5 cases, in\cluding 2 cases of nephrolithiasis. Before operation, one child bore claudication and the other 8 patients suffered from disability. Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) level increased markedly in 5 patients examined (633.87-1017.40 pmol/L, normal value: 28.50-90.50 pmol/L. Radionuclide scan showed tha imagings of parathyroid adenoma appeared in 4 patients. Results Parathryriod adenoma was resected via neek approach in 7 cases, and by way of sternum in the other 2 of the adnomas located in the chest, Parathyroid adenoma was diagnosed pathologically in 9 cases. All the 9 patients had no relapse during the 2-16 years of follow-up, with apparent relief of ostealgia and the normal serum PTH level, and roentgenogram showed fracture healing, great allevation of the osetopathia. Conclusion PTH examination as an advanced technique plays an important role in the differential diagnosis of hypercalcaemia. Color Dopperler and radionuclide scan can locate the lesion. It is vital to judge the nature of the lesion by naked eyes, while frozen slices serves as a necessity to confrrm. Enough parathyroid tissue should to be remained to assure normal parathyroid function. The variable number and ectopic possibility of parathyroid glands should be consiered. Both the short-term and long-term surgical outcome of parathyroid adenoma are satisfactory.
Objective To investigate the number and location of parathyroid glands in relation to thyroid gland, to increase the knowledge about anatomical variation of parathyroid glands, and to reduce injury of the parathyroid and recurrent laryngeal nerve. Methods A total of 50 cadavers were sectioned. The number and distribution of parathyroid glands and their relations with adjacent structures were observed. Results Mean number of parathyroid glands in one individual was 3.52±0.48, mainly located at the retro-medialis of thyroid, which was called “tri-domain and one area”. Superior parathyroid glands were mainly located in the area of cornu inferior thyroidal cartilage; the inferior parathyroid glands except ectopic parathyroid glands were located in radix nasi of thyroid glands; while the area around inferior thyroid artery contains both the superior and inferior parathyroid glands. These three areas constitute the region of retro-medialis of thyroid that parathyroid glands were inclined to get injured. Most superior parathyroid glands were located beside the lateral of recurrent laryngeal nerve （67.8%） and the inferior parathyroid gland mainly located next to recurrent laryngeal nerve （71.9%）, both showed statistical significance (P＜0.005). About 85.0% of superior parathyroid located in the area around posterior suspensory ligament of thyroid, and most common place for ectopic parathyroid gland was around lingual lobe of thymus (28.6%). Conclusion With extreme caution, familiarity with anatomy and skillful technique, the injury to parathyroid glands and recurrent laryngeal nerve can be prevented, which may not be a restrain of putting standard thyroid operation into practice.