title: Video-assisted bilateral neck exploration in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and failed localization studies.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) positive preoperative localization studies are accepted as a precondition for applying minimally invasive surgical techniques. Without localization, open bilateral neck exploration (BNE) is considered the standard option. The present study analyzes the feasibility and effectiveness of minimally invasive video-assisted BNE in patients with pHPT and negative or discordant localization studies.
  
  
  METHODS
  From a prospective series of 380 minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomies (MIVAP) performed in 367 patients for pHPT (1999-2009), 68 patients (10 male, 58 female; mean age: 58 years) were selected. These patients had failed localization studies and underwent BNE with the MIVAP technique. Operative time, complications, conversions to open technique, and cure rate were determined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean operative time was 52 +/- 26 min (range: 20-180 min). MIVAP with BNE was successfully completed in 66 (97%) patients with two conversions to open technique. Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy occurred in one patient. Biochemical cure was achieved in 67 patients (98.5%), in 65 patients (95.5%) after the first operation and in two more patients by video-assisted re-exploration on the first postoperative day. One patient remained with persistent disease even after repeated open BNE.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In experienced hands, video-assisted BNE with the MIVAP technique, for pHPT and failed localization studies, is feasible, safe, and gives results equivalent to the conventional open technique.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Chirurgie und Zentrum für Minimal Invasive Chirurgie, Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Universität Duisburg-Essen, Henricistrasse 92, 45136, Essen, Germany. pieroalesina@libero.it
authors.forename: Pier F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Alesina
authors.forename: Reyaz M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Singaporewalla
authors.forename: Martin K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Walz
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D049950:Hyperparathyroidism, Primary / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck / Q000601:surgery; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone / Q000032:analysis; D016105:Parathyroidectomy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D020535:Video-Assisted Surgery
chemical_list: D010281:Parathyroid Hormone