title: Comparison of perioperative management and outcome of parathyroidectomy between older and younger patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to compare the clinical status, surgical course, and outcomes of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), over the age of 70, with younger patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 1996 and 2006, 951 patients underwent parathyroidectomies for PHPT, of whom 190 were over the age of 70. Patient data were collected from chart reviews and a computerized database.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fewer older patients were asymptomatic at presentation. No between-group differences in serum calcium were seen; however, parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were higher in the older group. Hospitalization time was longer for the elderly. Duration of surgery, surgical success rates, and postoperative complications were similar between the 2 groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Surgical treatment of PHPT has both physiological benefits and helps to preserve quality of life. Our findings suggest that there is no practical difference in perioperative management and surgical outcomes for older patients. Surgeons should consider parathyroidectomy in PHPT patients regardless of age.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petach Tikva, and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. gidybahar@gmail.com
authors.forename: Gideon
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bachar
authors.forename: Hanna
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Gilat
authors.forename: Aviram
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mizrachi
authors.forename: Ilan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Shimon
authors.forename: Raphael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Feinmesser
authors.forename: Igor
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kaizerman
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Shpitzer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D006961:Hyperparathyroidism / Q000097:blood* / Q000601:surgery*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008875:Middle Aged; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D016105:Parathyroidectomy / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone