Minimally invasive parathyroid surgery.
BACKGROUND
Minimally invasive access for the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism is becoming widespread, but several different approaches have been proposed in the literature.


METHODS
We describe the three main types of mini-invasive parathyroidectomy, with particular attention to the gasless video-assisted procedure, which is now routinely performed at our institution.


RESULTS
Eighty-nine patients with a preoperatively localized single adenoma were successfully treated. Operative time was 58 mins, and there were only five conversions.


CONCLUSIONS
After comparing the different approaches described in literature, we conclude that mini-invasive parathyroidectomy is feasible and can provide additional benefits not available with traditional surgery. At present, however, this operation can be recommended only for patients with sporadic disease, localized lesions, and absence of goiter and prior neck surgery.
Miccoli
P
P
Unit of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, Pisa, Italy.
Monchik
J M
JM
D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D010280:Parathyroid Glands / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016105:Parathyroidectomy / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D017256:Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi; D020535:Video-Assisted Surgery / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods
D017256:Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi