Screening for primary hyperparathyroidism before thyroid surgery: A prospective study.

Background: Misdiagnosed primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) during thyroid surgery may lead to a difficult reoperation. Because PHPT is often asymptomatic, calcium measurements have been recommended before thyroid surgery, but no study has focused on the results of a prospective PHPT screening.

Methods: The prospective study of 748 patients consisted of 2-step screening of calcium measurement in all patients (normal range, 2.