Thoracoscopic resection of ectopic parathyroid glands.
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.
Medrano
C
C
Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield 62794-9638, USA.
Hazelrigg
S R
SR
Landreneau
R J
RJ
Boley
T M
TM
Shawgo
T
T
Grasch
A
A
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