[Primary Hyperthyroidism. Minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy]

Show our experience performing the minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy with central approach for the treatment of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism without using intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring (IPTHM) based solely on the concordance of two preoperative localization studies.

An informed consent for the accomplishment of a minimally invasive approach was performed on 27 selected patients diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism who underwent pre-operative cervical ultrasound and sesta-MIBI scintigraphy studies, which were consistent across them. None had a family history that might indicate a multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN), known thyroid disease, previous neck incision, or suspicion of carcinoma. Surgery was performed through a 1.5 cm central cervical incision and the use of harmonic scalpel. IPTHM was not performed in either case.

In all cases the topographic location of the adenoma was confirmed. No signs of hyperparathyroidism persistence or recurrence were registered after a follow-up period of 42 months. There were no recurrent nerve lesions. The average operative time was 24.5 minutes and all patients were discharged within 24 hours. The analgesic requirement was minimal and the cosmetic result satisfactory.

The minimally invasive unilateral exploration of the parathyroids with video-assisted magnification without IPTHM, under the guidance of two concordant localization studies is safe and feasible, with comparable results to those of standard technique as well as aesthetic advantages, less postoperative pain and reduced hospitalization.