Preoperative localization procedures and the use of intraoperative parathyroidism (iOPTH) have led to a shift of paradigm from bilateral neck exploration to focused parathyroidectomy in primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). However, only a small number of randomized trials from specialized centers have been published. The main purpose of the study was to analyze the impact of localization procedures and iOPTH on short-term outcome after pHPT surgery in a multi-institutional setting.

An audit for quality assurance in pHPT surgery was performed in 23 Scandinavian departments in 2004–2008. Data were gathered prospectively in a database. Two thousand seven hundred and eight patients were registered and 78% were females. The median serum calcium level was 2.79 mmol/l.

Localization procedures were performed in 1,831 patients (68%), (sestamibi in 54% and ultrasound in 41%) and iOPTH in 792 operations (29%). Bilateral exploration was performed in 61%, focused parathyroidectomy in 17%, and unilateral exploration in 22%. Histology showed parathyroid adenoma in 82%, with the median weight of 0.6 g. The alleviation of hypercalcemia at the first follow-up was 93% (94% for primary operation). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, iOPTH increased cure rate (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.14–2.53, p = 0.0092). The risk for postoperative medically treated hypocalcemia decreased with the use of localization procedures (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.43–0.78, p = 0.0004) and iOPTH (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.39–0.90, p = 0.0015).

Localization procedures and iOPTH decreased the risk for hypocalcemia after pHPT surgery. Additionally, iOPTH influenced short-term cure rate favorably.