Hyperparathyroidism Statement

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a disease that is common in the UK and patients present with a large range of symptoms and biochemical abnormalities.

Parathyroid surgery can be straightforward for the surgeon, e.g. removing a localised adenoma( >90% cure rate) or difficult e.g. undertaking a bilateral neck exploration without knowing exactly what you might find or where exactly the parathyroid gland or glands are (negative scans). Most bilateral neck explorations for hyperparathyroidism lead to a cure.

However, there is a failure rate for both operations of approx. 5-10 % ( for localised parathyroidectomy) up to 10-25 % (for bilateral neck exploration for primary hyperparathyroidism).
It is unusual for a surgeon to go into an operation knowing there is a failure rate, and this is difficult for both patients and surgeons. There are adjuncts that may be able to help with decision making during the operation in more difficult cases. These are not available in every hospital, and there is no perfect adjunct nor surgeon to ensure 100% cure. We understand it is extremely frustrating for the patient when they are not cured.

As the BAETS, we aim to improve knowledge and training through education and to increase the number of surgeons who are confident and experienced enough to undertake all these operations. BAETS Surgeons are encouraged to continuously work to improve all their surgical outcomes.
We are aware that there are many patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who remain on long waiting lists and we are trying to help prioritise this condition nationally.

We know that a successful operation can make a big difference to people’s lives.

Best wishes
Alison
Alison Waghorn
Consultant Endocrine Surgeon
Liverpool University Hospitals Foundation Trust
BAETS President