Health-related quality of life improvement following surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism in a United Kingdom population

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine if parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism produces improvement in health-related quality of life in a United Kingdom population. Methods: Since October 2002, patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism were asked to complete the SF-36 questionnaire, a validated self assessment tool prior to surgery and at six months post surgery. The questionnaires were either mailed to the patients or given at the time of outpatient follow up. Results: 24 out of 29 patients completed the questionnaire pre- and postoperatively. Compared to the national average, the median pre-operative scores were worse in all 8 domains. At 6 months post surgery, there were significant improvements in six out of eight domains (p < 0.05); physical and social functioning, physical and emotional role limitations, energy and mental health. The median physical component summary score (PCS) and the mental component summary score (MCS) were also significantly improved postoperatively [Preop vs. Postop (PCS)=28.16 vs. 35.40 (P=0.03)] and Preop vs. Postop (MCS)=41.50 vs. 56.23 (P=0.005)]. The post-operative MCS was comparable with the national average. Conclusion: This study shows that parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism improves health-related quality of life in a United Kingdom population. (C) 2009 Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (Scottish charity number SC005317) and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.