Impact of parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism on quality of life: A case-control study using Short Form Health Survey 36.

BACKGROUND: Physical and mental complaints are common in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and negatively impact quality of life (QOL). Subjective symptoms in current guidelines are not considered an indication for surgery. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of parathyroidectomy on QOL in patients with PHPT.

METHODS: This multicenter case-control study investigated preoperative and postoperative QOL scores in patients operated for PHPT, measured with the Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Results were compared with patients undergoing a hemithyroidectomy, the control group.

RESULTS: Fifty-two patients and 49 controls were included. Patients with PHPT had significantly lower QOL scores preoperatively and improved significantly after successful surgical treatment. Postoperatively, no differences were observed between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION: QOL was significantly lower in patients with untreated PHPT. Surgical treatment was associated with a significant increase in QOL. Decreased QOL should also be considered as an indicator for surgical treatment in patients with PHPT. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38:1213-1220, 2016.