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.

DISCUSSION: 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.