Endoscopically assisted, minimally invasive parathyroidectomy.
BACKGROUND
Despite the success of open parathyroid exploration, minimally invasive alternatives have been emerging. This study reports an experience with endoscopically assisted, minimally invasive parathyroidectomy and evaluates its current role in patients undergoing surgery for hyperparathyroidism.


METHODS
One hundred consecutive patients requiring surgery for hyperparathyroidism were evaluated. Endoscopic parathyroidectomy was offered based on the absence of coexisting nodular thyroid disease, previous neck surgery or irradiation, suspicion of parathyroid hyperplasia, or other anatomical or medical contraindications. Some 24 of 100 patients fulfilled the criteria and underwent endoscopic parathyroidectomy. Unequivocal localization to a single site by a technetium-99m-radiolabelled sestamibi scan allowed removal of the adenoma through a 25-mm suprasternal incision while being guided by a surgical telescope.


RESULTS
There were no statistically significant differences in operating time or the mean size of resected adenomas between patients undergoing endoscopic and open parathyroidectomy. Four patients required conversion to an open procedure. Two patients developed temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis and one had persistent hyperparathyroidism.


CONCLUSIONS
Although endoscopic parathyroidectomy is technically feasible, its applicability is limited to a minority of patients undergoing operation for hyperparathyroidism. The potential for higher complication and failure rates makes optimism for the procedure appropriately guarded.
Gauger
P G
PG
Endocrine Surgical Unit, Department of Surgery, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia.
Reeve
T S
TS
Delbridge
L W
LW
D000236:Adenoma / Q000601:surgery*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006961:Hyperparathyroidism / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016105:Parathyroidectomy / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies