VATS parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism.

Mediastinal ectopic parathyroid glands are uncommon. Traditionally, median sternotomies were performed to treat this type of lesion, resulting in a long, painful postoperative period and poor aesthetic results. With the advent of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, procedures were performed more frequently by this route with the same surgical and oncological results as those achieved with conventional surgery. The introduction of more sophisticated imaging studies, such as computed tomography, computed tomography-technetium-99m sestamibi scintigraphy, and single-photon emission computed tomography, facilitated identification of the exact location of the lesion. Video-assisted thoracoscopy became a safe approach and the treatment of choice for resection.