parathyroid glands identification during neck surgery: a microsurgical perspective

Parathyroid gland identification using the operative microscope was attempted in twenty patients operated upon for thyroidectomy and other neck surgeries. Histopathological examination of an incisional biopsy confirmed the identification in twenty four out of twenty five identified glands [i. e accuracy rate of 92%]. The point of intersection of the recurrent laryngeal nerve with the inferior thyroid artery. The cricothyroid joint and the paratracheal pad of fat were all found to be valuable landmarks for parathyroid gland identification