NIRAF imaging significantly enhances parathyroid gland identification

Near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) imaging significantly improves the ability of surgical trainees to recognize parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy. Detection rates soared for junior trainees from 46.5% to 94.8% and for senior trainees from 68% to 97%. Additionally, NIRAF identified 48.3% more glands for juniors, 29% for seniors, and increased confidence in recognizing known glands for 51.7% of juniors, 71% of seniors, ultimately enhancing overall detection rates across all levels (p < 0.0001).