At present, physicians and surgeons treating thyroid disorders can rely on highly accurate and precise investigations, modern equipment, and state of the art operating theater to achieve optimum results; however, this was not the case at the beginning of the treatment of thyroid diseases centuries ago. We present a short history of the treatment and understanding of thyroid diseases in the past few decades. Also we present the contributions of the important surgeons who tried to perfect the treatment of thyroid diseases, including surgery, thus making modern day management easier.

The parathyroid gland was first described by Sir Richard Owen. Ivor Sandstrom coined the term glandulae parathyroidiae. Vassale and Generali Francesco observed that tetany occurs following parathyroidectomy. Harald Salvesen firmly established the relationship of the parathyroid gland to calcium metabolism. A patient with skeletal disease and a tumor near the parathyroid gland was described by Max Askanazy in 1904. Schlagenhaufer suggested in 1915 that in an attempt to cure bone disease, solitary parathyroid enlargement, if present, should be excised. The term hyperparathyroidism (HPT) was coined by Henry Dixon and colleagues. The parathyroid surgeries on Albert J. and Charles Martell were the first experience with successful parathyroidectomy. From a grossly symptomatic disease of bones, stones, abdominal groans, and psychic moans, HPT has evolved into asymptomatic HPT. Improvements in knowledge about the pathology of parathyroid diseases, including the genetic basis of HPT, and advances in the surgical techniques have brought about changes in the management of HPT over the decades.