[Localization diagnosis of epithelial-body tumors through selective determination of parathyroid hormone.  Surgical sequelae of a new method]. 
A new method for the localisation of abnormal parathyroid tissue is reported.  This is carried out by selective venous blood sampling from the thyroid veins and the large veins of the neck.  Parathyroid hormone levels are measured by radioimmunoassay.  The peak hormone level indicates the site of the tumor suspected.  Parathyroid venous blood was taken in 15 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.  In 12 patients localisation of the parathyroid tumor was achieved pre-operatively.  The procedure is especially valuable in patients with previous unsuccessful parathyroid surgery.  There are no complications or contraindications to the method.