Small-part ultrasonography in primary hyperparathyroidism: initial experience.

Small-part, real-time ultrasonography using a high-resolution real-time ultrasound scanner was evaluated in 100 consecutive patients undergoing cervical exploration for primary hyperparathyroidism. The radiologic accuracy was 76%. This accuracy was related directly to the weight of the resected gland(s). The surgical success rate with ultrasonography was 96%, whereas the rate without ultrasonography was 97%. Operating time was not appreciably decreased. The exact role of this new modality in the management of primary hyperparathyroidism is as yet unclear.