The role of parathyroidectomy in the management of hyperparathyroidism in patients on maintenance haemodialysis and after renal transplantation.

Between March 1964 and March 1980, 36 (34 dialysis, 2 transplant) of 327 patients accepted for the maintenance dialysis/transplantation programme at Charing Cross Hospital were submitted to parathyroidectomy. There were four main indications: persistent hypercalcaemia, progressive phalangeal erosions, aseptic necrosis of the femoral head and height loss with abnormal bone biopsy despite normal hand radiographs. At parathyroidectomy, 4 glands were removed in 1 patient, 3 1/2 glands in 24, 3 glands in 7, 2 glands in 3 and a single large gland in 1 patient. The operation was followed by improvement in 28 patients, no change in 5, and progression of hyperparathyroidism in 3.2 of the 28 patients who improved later relapsed and were treated with 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D3. 4 patients were submitted to a further parathyroidectomy and improved considerably. We would conclude that, although parathyroidectomy is an effective and safe procedure, it is to be hoped that careful monitoring of bone state and early administration of 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D3 may reduce the need for parathyroidectomy.