title: Thoracoscopic resection of ectopic parathyroid glands.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The vast majority of parathyroid glands in hyperparathyroidism can be resected through a cervical approach. In approximately 2% of the cases, the ectopic gland is in the mediastinum in a location that requires a thoracic approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report 7 such cases that were resected using video-assisted thoracic surgery to avoid the need for an open surgical procedure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All glands were successfully identified preoperatively and subsequently resected. Hospital stay averaged less than 3 days with only one minor complication.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ectopic mediastinal parathyroid glands may be safely and accurately resected using video-assisted thoracic surgery to avoid open approaches.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield 62794-9638, USA.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Medrano
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Hazelrigg
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Landreneau
authors.forename: T M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Boley
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Shawgo
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Grasch
mesh_terms: D000236:Adenoma / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D002828:Choristoma / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D006961:Hyperparathyroidism / Q000601:surgery; D006962:Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary / Q000601:surgery; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008477:Mediastinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010280:Parathyroid Glands; D010282:Parathyroid Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D016105:Parathyroidectomy; D012449:Safety; D020775:Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted