Influence of morbid obesity on parathyroidectomy outcomes in primary hyperparathyroidism

Background

We sought to evaluate the influence of morbid obesity in patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT).

Methods

All patients with pHPT who underwent parathyroidectomy at a single institution between July 2002 and October 2008 were included. Body mass index (BMI), laboratorie vlaues, operative findings, and outcomes were examined.

Results

Two hundred thirteen of the 776 patients identified (28%) were morbidly obese (BMI ≥35 kg/m²). When compared with nonmorbidly obese patients, the morbidly obese patients were younger, had higher preoperative intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels, heavier parathyroids, and required overnight stay more often (P <.05 for all). However, the rates of complications, eucalcemia, and recurrence were similar for all patients.

Conclusion

In this study, more than a quarter of the patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for pHPT were morbidly obese and had significantly higher preoperative iPTH levels, heavier parathyroids, and longer hospital stay but similar rates of complications and operative success.