Aim

The purpose of this study was to determine threshold gamma probe counts to distinguish single adenoma (SA) from multigland disease (MGD) during radioguided parathyroidectomy.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 1656 patients was performed. Ex vivo counts of the first excised gland were taken and recorded as a percentage of background counts.

Results

69.4% of MGD patients had counts below the 50% threshold. The 50% threshold correctly grouped 72.8% of our cohort. Counts of more than 100% were accurate for grouping SA, with only 6.8% of patients with counts more than 100% having MGD.

Conclusions

The gamma probe can aid surgeons in deciding to continue neck exploration if MGD is suspected or wait for labs to confirm cure if SA is suspected.