title: The technique of endoscopic exploration for parathyroid adenoma of the neck.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The technical details of endoscopic exploration of parathyroid adenoma are described here, thereby drawing attention to the enormous potential of this new modality of minimal-access surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four patients with a parathyroid adenoma that was clearly demonstrated by pre-operative localization imaging techniques were subject to endoscopic exploration using one 11 mm and two 5 mm ports: a technique heretofore undescribed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  An adenoma was successfully localized endoscopically in each case and was removed. The postoperative outcome proved most encouraging: no analgesics were required, the hypercalcaemia rapidly corrected and the patients were pleased with the smallness of scars.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The described endoscopic approach is a viable and promising alternative to open surgery for parathyroid adenoma; further study would be fruitful.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Yan Chai Hospital, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: G H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Yeung
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Ng
mesh_terms: D000236:Adenoma / Q000601:surgery*; D000368:Aged; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D009333:Neck; D010282:Parathyroid Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D016105:Parathyroidectomy / Q000379:methods*