Diagnostic & Intraoperative Tools

Sestamibi scan also known as a parathyroid scan or a technetium-99m sestamibi scan, is a diagnostic imaging technique used primarily to locate abnormal parathyroid glands in cases of hyperparathyroidism. It is employed both prior to and during the operation helping surgeons plan for a more targeted and effective surgical intervention. A radioactive substance is injected into a vein in the arm. This tracer is preferentially taken up by the parathyroid glands due to their high metabolic activity. After the injection, the sestamibi tracer circulates through the bloodstream and is absorbed by the parathyroid glands. A special gamma camera is then used to detect the radioactive emissions from the tracer, creating images that show where the tracer has accumulated.

In some cases, a dual-phase sestamibi scan may be performed, where images are taken shortly after the injection and again several hours later. This dual-phase approach can enhance the detection of abnormal parathyroid glands that might not be visible on initial imaging.