[Endoscopic parathyroidectomy. Surgical technique in primary hyperparathyroidism]

We report our experience and technique of endoscopic removal of parathyroid adenomas in case of primary hyperparathyroidism. Scintigraphy, MRI scan and cervical ultrasound enable exact diagnosis and therefore exact localisation and placement of the three 5 mm trocars for endoscopic operation. The placement of the optic and the function trocars depends on the localisation of the adenoma. The free room to work in is created between thyroid and neck muscles and supported by insufflated CO2 with a pressure of 12 mm Hg. After the adenoma is taken out through an incision above the jugulum. With this technique we operated upon 3 patients successfully. Benefits for the patients seem to be a less painful postoperative course with minimal blood loss because of the exact exploration of the adenoma with minimal invasion of the surrounding tissue.