Resection of select mediastinal parathyroid adenomas through an anterior mediastinotomy

Two patients who had undergone thorough surgical exploration of the neck were found to have adenomas of fifth parathyroid glands within the mediastinum. After localization with computed tomographic scanning or thallium-technetium imaging, or both, these tumors were resected through a parasternal approach (anterior mediastinotomy); thus, median sternotomy was obviated. This approach has not been described previously for the removal of mediastinal parathyroid tumors.