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Minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy

Early experience using an anterior approach

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Abstract

Background

The standard surgical procedure for parathyroidectomy consists of bilateral cervical exploration and the visualization of all four parathyroid glands. However, improved preoperative localization techniques and the availability of intraoperative intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) monitoring now allow single adenomas to be treated with minimally invasive techniques.

Methods

Patients with primary hyperthyroidism (pHPT), who were found to have one unequivocally enlarged parathyroid gland on preoperative ultrasound and 99mTc-SestaMIBI scintigraphy underwent minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy by an anterior approach. Intraoperatively, rapid electrochemiluminescense immunoassay was used to measure iPTH levels shortly before and 5, 10, and 15 mins after excision of the adenoma. The operation was considered successful when a >50% decrease in preexcision iPTH levels was observed after 5 min.

Results

Between November 1999 and May 2000, 10 of 22 patients with pHPT were deemed eligible for the minimally invasive approach. In all cases, the adenoma was removed successfully. Howver, in two cases, intraoperative iPTH monitoring did not show a sufficient decrease in iPTH values. Subsequent cervical exploration revealed a double adenoma in one case and hyperplasia in the other.

Conclusions

Even when high-resolution ultrasound and 99mTc-SestaMIBI scintigraphy are used, the presence of multiple glandular desease cannot be ruled out entirely. When the minimally invasive approach is contemplated, intraoperative iPTH monitoring is indispensible to ensure operative success. However, in selected cases, minimally invasive parathyroidectomy represents an excellent alternative to the conventional technique.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chirurgische Klinik Innenstadt, Ludwig Maximilians-Universität München, Nussbaumstrasse 20, 80336, Munich, Germany

    K. K. J. Hallfeldt, A. Trupka & J. Gallwas

  2. Medizinische Klinik Innenstadt, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Ziemssenstrasse 2, 80336, Munich, Germany

    K. Horn

Authors
  1. K. K. J. Hallfeldt
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  2. A. Trupka
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  3. J. Gallwas
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  4. K. Horn
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Online publication: 13 March 2000

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Hallfeldt, K.K.J., Trupka, A., Gallwas, J. et al. Minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy. Surg Endosc 15, 409–412 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004640090042

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004640090042

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