Subtotal parathyroidectomy: Normalization of circulating parathormone

Subtotal parathyroidectomy was performed in 52 consecutive patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. The postoperative results, 6-24 months following the operation, were evaluated according to a calcium-parathormone normogram. In 48 patients the values returned to the normal zone. Two patients had persistent hypercalcemia. The other two patients remained in the hyperparathyroid zone of the normogram, with moderate elevations of serum parathormone, in spite of normocalcemia. The significance of the failure to achieve normal circulating parathormone levels in patients with postoperative eucalcemia is discussed. The importance of serum parathormone and calcium relationship in the evaluation of patients following parathyroidectomy is emphasized.