radioguided surgery
Also written as: RPLS — radioguided parathyroid localization surgery
Surgical technique using radioactive tracers and gamma probes to localize parathyroid adenomas.
Full Definition
A specialized surgical approach that combines preoperative injection of radioactive sestamibi with intraoperative use of a gamma probe to precisely localize hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue. The technique relies on the preferential uptake and retention of the radiotracer in parathyroid adenomas compared to normal tissue. During surgery, the gamma probe measures radioactivity levels to guide the surgeon to the adenoma location and confirm complete removal by demonstrating a significant decrease in background radiation after excision.
Usage
Usage note: Sometimes abbreviated as RPLS (radioguided parathyroid localization surgery).
In Context
- "Radioguided surgery successfully identified the adenoma with a 10:1 hot-to-background ratio." — operative report
- "The gamma probe reading decreased by 80% after excision, confirming complete removal during radioguided surgery." — intraoperative monitoring note