Serum parathyroid hormone and calcium during the first days after resection of a parathyroid adenoma

Serum parathyroid hormone, calcium and phosphate were daily monitored in 12 , 30 and 30 patients respectively during the early postoperative period aft er removal of a solitary parathyroid adenoma. In all patients PTH concentra tion dropped to very low values on the first postoperative day, whereafter a rapid recovery began. So the first day is the best time to evaluate the r esult of the intervention. Hypocalcemia was most frequent on the third day. After ten days 26 patients showed a normal calcemia, while 4 patients stil l had a mild hypocalcemia (8-8.8 mg/dl). These data may guide management of patients after parathyroid surgery.